Jackson Announces Over $31 Million In Energy and Water Funds

Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced the House has passed the Energy and Water Appropriations Conference Report for FY 2006 by a vote of 399 to 17.

"This bill will provide funds to continue support for water infrastructure improvement projects in the 2nd District. I included these projects in this bill because they will help to prevent flooding, improve our water quality, and enhance the quality of life for our communities," Jackson said.

If approved by the Senate, the bill will go to the President to be signed into law.

The bill includes the following Illinois 2nd District requests:

* $27.5 million to continue work on the "Deep Tunnel" project, including construction of the Thornton reservoir located in Chicago's south suburbs;

* $2.9 million for the Calumet Harbor and River project which consists of two miles of breakwater, 12 miles of channel improvements, three turning basins, a confined disposal facility, boat shed facility, and a stone dock;

* $375,000 toward the environmental infrastructure needs in Cook County including development and protection of water supply systems, combined sewer overflows, and remediation of adverse water quality impacts and storm water impacts to waste water systems;

* $1,000,000 for the University of Chicago's hospitals and clinics to provide for the renovation and expansion of their pediatric emergency room.

Over the past six years, Jackson has helped secure more than $118 million for the Deep Tunnel Project, the comprehensive Chicago Underflow Plan designed to improve flood protection and improve water quality for the metropolitan area.

The bill also includes $20 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue work on the Chicago Shoreline Protection Program, which will provide storm damage protection to the Lake Michigan shoreline in Chicago.

As a Member of Congress, in the past nine years, Jackson has secured more then $480 million in funds for the 2nd District.