Washington, D.C.  - The House of Representatives passed a provision authored by Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) that would authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to rehabilitate Flint’s Hamilton Dam.  The provision contained in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA) was passed today by the House in a vote to override President Bush’s veto.

“The Hamilton Dam is in desperate need, both structurally and aesthetically,” said Kildee.  “Funding for this project is essential to the continued progress of Flint and will be my top priority in funding water projects next year.”

Kildee’s Hamilton Dam provision would pave the way for federal funds to be appropriated for this project.  The provision allows the Army Corps of Engineers to repair, rehabilitate or replace the 87-year-old dam near the University of Michigan - Flint campus.  A study conducted in 2000 by the Corps of Engineers recommended that the dam be replaced, and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has concluded that there is a possibility that it could fail.

The new direction of Congress has led to today’s reauthorization of vital water infrastructure projects.  The Water Resources Development Act authorizes $23 billion for projects and studies over a period of 15 years.  Congress has not reauthorized WRDA since 2000, delaying funding for critical projects across the country and the repair of Hamilton Dam. 

Despite overwhelming support in both the House and Senate, the President vetoed the bill last week.   An expected override vote in the Senate would complete the first override of a veto by President Bush.