$1,500,000 to Albany and Valdosta for Infrastructure Improvements
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Sanford Bishop, a Member of the House Appropriations Committee announced that $1,500,000 was included in the fiscal year 2007 Department of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill to fund infrastructure improvements for Albany and Valdosta. The Interior Appropriations Bill funds the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency and other related agencies including, the Forest Service, the Indian Health Service, the Smithsonian Institution and the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities.
The bill includes $1,000,000 for the City of Albany’s “Interceptor pipeline upgrade to the sewer system. Additionally, the bill includes $500,000 for water and waste water infrastructure improvements in the City of Valdosta.
“One of the greatest challenges our urban centers face in southwest Georgia is a declining infrastructure. These two projects will aid tremendously in renovating and improving the water and sewer systems in these communities,” stated Congressman Bishop.
Another $500,000 is included in the bill for the Georgia Streambank Restoration project. Working with private landowners on non-government lands, the $500,000 will fund a cooperative agreement between the Department of the Interior and the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. The program will provide incentives for landowners to implement best practices intended to accelerate the restoration and protection of Georgia’s valuable waters.
“We are fortunate to have a reliable and abundant natural water supply in Southwest Georgia, to drink, to enjoy with our families and to sustain our agriculture,” said Congressman Bishop. “Continue funding for this project is critical to preserving this tremendous natural resource for us and for our future generations.”
The FY07 Interior Appropriations bill was approved by the full Appropriations Committee by voice vote, and is expected to be considered by the full House of Representatives next week.