Jackson Announces Energy And Water Funds

Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that Congress has approved the Energy and Water Appropriations Conference Report for FY 2004. The bill includes over $26 million for five flood abatement projects in the Second Congressional District of Illinois. The bill now heads to the White House where the President is expected to sign it.

"These funds will provide much-needed help in improving the infrastructure in our district to reduce the terrible flooding that has tormented our district for far too long ." Jackson said.

The bill includes Congressman Jackson’s requests in the 2^{nd Congressional district for:}

*$19.5 million to continue work on the "Deep Tunnel" project, including the Calumet leg of the tunnel in Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs, and the McCook and Thornton reservoirs;

*$3.985 million for dredging, seawall and dock repairs, and an environmental cleanup of the Calumet River and Harbor near the USX South Works property;

*$1.5 million toward the construction of a 250-acre reservoir and channel clearing along Deer Creek, which experiences frequent over-bank flooding. When flooding occurs, approximately 40 percent of the homes in Ford Heights are damaged, and;

*$350,000 for technical planning and assistance for sewer rehabilitation for communities in Cook County.

*$50,000 for Indian Ridge Marsh to enhance and naturalize pond features and habitats; re-create and monitor prairie areas; re-introduce native plant species to woodland areas; and protect restored areas while encouraging public access.

The bill also includes $1 million for the Museum of Science and Industry to renovate and improve the Henry Crown Space Center. The space center will be designed to host students during camp, one-day workshops, and specially designed field trips.

Over the past four years, Jackson has helped secure almost $64 million for the Deep Tunnel Project, which is part of the comprehensive Chicago Underflow Plan designed to improve flood protection and improve water quality for the metropolitan area.

The bill also includes $24.5 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue Lake Michigan shoreline improvements in Chicago.