Congresswoman Hirono Votes for Energy and Water Bill and Secures $3,065,000 in Funding for Hawai‘i
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) today voted in support of H.R. 3183, the FY2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act. H.R. 3183 passed the House by a vote of 320 yeas to 97 nays.
This legislation includes $3,065,000 in FY2010 funding for six projects in the State of Hawai‘i that Congresswoman Hirono requested.
- $1,000,000 to demonstrate the feasibility of commercial bioenergy production at the University of Hawai‘i. The project will be conducted by the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and the Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute.
- $705,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers to inspect all flood damage reduction and coastal damage reduction projects in the State of Hawai‘i on an annual basis. These inspections are needed to protect against structural failure, which could result in damage to property or loss of life.
- $570,000 to support management of the state-wide harbor dredging program, hydrographic condition surveys of our harbors, and inspection of 25 navigation projects throughout Hawai‘i with federal breakwater structures.
- $300,000 to initiate a study of possible improvements to the South Maui Watershed to reduce flood damage and to protect ocean water quality. This watershed, which includes the south slope of Haleakala, including Kula and Ulupalakua, as well as the Kihei-Wailea-Makena area, includes residential, commercial, industrial, and resort properties, as well as farms, ranches, and natural areas.
- $250,000 to improve the ‘Iao Stream Flood Control project on the island of Maui in order to provide better protection for adjacent commercial and residential areas. Without improvements, areas would revert to flood hazard areas.
- $240,000 to provide funding for a photovoltaic system at the Hawai‘i State Chapter Headquarters of the American Red Cross. The system will serve as a critical backup energy source in the event of a disaster.
“The main thrust behind all of these projects is ensuring the safety of Hawai‘i’s people, whether by establishing an emergency power source for the American Red Cross or determining how to best control floods and protect coastal areas.” said Congresswoman Hirono. “Three weeks ago, I visited Haleiwa harbor and received a briefing from the harbormaster along with the Army Corps of Engineers on the work that’s being done to keep our boat entrances clear from growing underwater obstacles. That meeting reconfirmed my belief that, as an island state, we need to remain diligent in monitoring and maintaining our waterways.”
In addition to funding for these projects, the energy and water bill provides $5.5 billion nationally for the Army Corps of Engineers to address water resource investment needs and $2.25 billion to increase investments in technologies that use energy more effectively and produce clean, inexpensive energy from domestic sources.
A few highlights of the bill include
- $259 million for research, development, and demonstration projects to make solar energy more affordable;
- $235 million for grants to improve production of alternative fuels such as cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel; and
- $220 million in weatherization grants to help struggling families save money and energy by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.
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