WASHINGTON - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that $2,427,000 has been secured for dredging the Saginaw River in the House-Senate Conference Report of the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2006.  Kildee’s full request was included in the Energy and Water Conference Report, which was approved by conference negotiators last night and will be brought before the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, November 9.  The funding will be used for critical dredging in the Saginaw River between Bay City and the City of Saginaw.

“This funding is vital to the economic stability and prosperity of the region because it will help preserve the integrity of our shipping routes,” said Kildee.  “The Saginaw River is an essential transportation link in our state and without regular dredging, our local businesses, farmers and families could be negatively affected.”

The Saginaw River acts as drainage for all or part of 22 counties in the State of Michigan and there is an essential need for maintenance.  The river has been a shipping channel providing vital services to many communities in the region since the early 1900’s.  The funding Congressman Kildee has secured will provide for dredging of the Upper Saginaw River and will help construct a confined disposal facility.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will continue to have the ability to perform this much needed service,” Kildee stated.  “The direct and indirect economic and social benefits will be tremendous for mid-Michigan.”

After House consideration on Wednesday, the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill is expected to pass the Senate and will likely be signed into law by the President.