Jackson Announces Energy And Water Funds

Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that the committee has approved the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for FY 2005.

The federal funds approved today will serve to spur the economic growth around our districts waterways, continue improving Chicago's magnificent shoreline, strengthen our environmental infrastructure, further prevent flooding in Deer Creek, and develop and protect our water supply system throughout the South Side and south suburbs. Jackson said. "These projects are major investments by the federal government to improve and enhance the quality of life for Chicago Southland residents."

The bill is expected to be approved by the full House and Senate. It will then go to a House-Senate conference committee where agreements in funding level differences will be reached before going to the President for his signature.

The bill includes Congressman Jacksons requests for:

*$28 million to continue work on the Deep Tunnel project, including construction of the McCook and Thornton reservoirs located in Chicagos south suburbs;

*$2.124 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;

*$500,000 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;

*$500,000 toward the construction of a 238 acre-foot reservoir, channel clearing, channel modifications, and ecosystem restoration along Deer Creek which experiences frequent over-bank flooding. This will eliminate frequent flooding that occurs throughout Ford Heights;

Over the past five years, Jackson has helped secure more than $93 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.