| June 16, 2005 - (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter announced that $28.7 million in federal funding for Shreveport-Bossier area projects was included in the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which passed out of the Appropriations Committee today. “I am grateful that my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee were persuaded of the importance of these projects to Louisiana and to our nation,” said Vitter. “This federal money will continue to foster economic growth of northwest Louisiana.” The bill provides $15 million to be used for continued construction of the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway for mitigation acquisition and recreation development. This project includes refinements to the channel alignment to improve the safety and efficiency of the navigation channels and to reduce maintenance dredging costs. The bill also includes $13.1 million for the operation and maintenance of the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway. This funding will address a backlog of critical maintenance items that are needed to promote reliable commercial navigation on the Red River. In addition, the bill contains $100,000 for a reconnaissance study to determine federal interest in providing a 12-foot navigation channel, rather than the current 9-foot channel. The bill includes $150,000 for Bossier Parish Levee and flood-control efforts. Bossier Parish is affected by both headwater and backwater flooding, and this federal funding will allow exploration of alternatives to address water resource problems and needs. A comprehensive study is required to balance the competing demands of flooding, increased water use and decline of environmental resources, and it is critical for this area to ensure the wise and efficient use of the basin’s water resources. The bill also provides $330,000 for Caddo Lake. These funds will be used for operation and maintenance on the lake including repairs to the deteriorated surface of the access road caused by flooding in 2000. “We’re still in the early stages but are off to a great start for securing federal funds for these projects,” Vitter said. “I’ll continue to work with my Senate colleagues to see that this funding is included in the final version of the bill.” The Energy and Water Appropriations Bill is expected to move to the Senate floor for a vote later this year. |
Audio Clip | 
Video Clip | 
Document