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Washington, D.C.- Congressman Dale E. Kildee announced today that $2,251,000 has been secured for dredging the Saginaw River in the final Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2004. Kildee’s full request was included in the Energy and Water Conference Report, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier today. 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. Nearly all of the funding Congressman Kildee secured will likely be used to dig out a 740,000 cubic-yard backlog of silt that has settled in the river during the past 20 years.
“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.”
The Energy and Water Appropriations Bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives today with Congressman Kildee’s support. The bill is expected to pass the Senate and will likely be signed into law by the President. |
