Congressman Stephen F. Lynch
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2007

CONTACT:  Matt Ferraguto
(617) 428-2007

 
 
Kennedy, Kerry, Markey, Capuano, Lynch Announce Passage of Bill to Aid Boston area Water Resources
 
 
  Washington, DC—Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry and Representatives Edward J. Markey, Michael E. Capuano, and Stephen F. Lynch announced today that Congress has passed legislation authorizing important water resource improvements in the Boston area.
 
The Water Resources Development Act, which passed the Senate today, directs the Army Corps of Engineers to prepare an environmental restoration report for Pine Tree Brook in Milton.  The report is an essential step before the Army Corps can assist the community in restoring Pine Tree Brook, which has been degraded by excess sediment.  
 
The Act modifies the coordinates of the federal navigation channels in the Mystic River in Medford and the Island End River in Chelsea.  The modifications will support waterfront development by increasing access to the channels.
 
Kennedy said, “These projects are important for Chelsea, Medford, and Milton, and will contribute substantially to quality of life and economic growth in those communities.  I look forward to their completion.”

Kerry said, “These projects will help Chelsea, Medford and Milton plan developments that not only attract new residents but also help safeguard fragile waterways. It’s a win-win situation.”

“This bill is critical to enabling development in Medford along the Mystic River. This will be a boon to the local community and I am pleased to see it passing Congress," said Rep. Markey (MA-07)
 
“This legislation authorizes much needed funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct important work addressing issues such as shoreline protection, environmental restoration and flood damage,” stated Congressman Mike Capuano.
 
Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, who represents Milton, said, “The inclusion of the Pine Tree Brook project in this bill is a major step forward in ensuring that the brook will be restored to its natural state as well as providing a safe environmental haven for the residents of Milton and the surrounding wildlife.”
 
The Water Resources Development Act authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct civil works projects such as flood prevention, navigation dredging, and ecological restoration throughout the nation.  With final approval of the bill by both chambers, the bill will next go to the President for his signature to become law.

 

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