House Approves $2.5 Million in Funding for the Apalachiacola, Chattahoochee, and Flint Rivers

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Sanford Bishop, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that the House of Representatives approved H.R. 2419, the Energy & Water Development Appropriations Act for FY06, which includes $2.5 million for the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge and maintain the Apalachiacola, Chattahoochee, and Flint Rivers.

"This funding is important for southwest Georgians as dredging will increase commerce opportunities on our rivers, while enhancing the recreational value of our natural resources," said Congressman Bishop. "The bill also includes funding for a range of biological and environmental research programs to take shape throughout the state of Georgia. These programs will play a significant role in preparing our economy and our environment for the challenging road ahead."

One of ten appropriations bills that assign discretionary funding for each of the federal government's agencies, H.R. 2419 provides $30.5 billion for FY06 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Interior, the Department of Energy, and several Independent Agencies. Passing the House of Representatives, it will now go to the full Senate for passage and then be sent to President Bush for his signature and enactment into law.