U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, has announced the full Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2012 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill.
The bill includes $119.5 million for critical flood mitigation, harbor maintenance and beach renourishment projects in New Jersey. Included in this total is $65 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue deepening the New York and New Jersey Harbor so that large ships can enter the Port of New York and New Jersey. With the planned widening of the Panama Canal, larger ships are expected to travel to the Port and deeper channels are required to accommodate the ships.
“Deepening the New York and New Jersey harbor is a job creator and one of the most important projects for commerce in our region ,” stated Lautenberg. “This bill makes critical investments that will have tremendous benefits for New Jersey’s economic future.”
“Hurricane Irene devastated homes and businesses throughout the state of New Jersey and this bill will help families and communities avoid future flood damages,” added Senator Lautenberg.
More than $1 billion was also included for emergency disaster relief in the aftermath of severe flooding following various storms throughout the country this year. This funding can be used to repair U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects damaged as a result of natural disasters, including Hurricane Irene.
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Source: lautenberg, September 9, 2011;