Press Release

BUCHANAN WELCOMES ADDITIONAL $2.7 MILLION FOR WARES CREEK

Washington, DC -- Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL 13) today welcomed $2.7 million included the president’s fiscal year 2009 budget to help dredge Wares Creek in Bradenton.  Buchanan vowed to work if necessary to increase the funding level as the budget makes its way through Congress.

“This is a good investment of taxpayer dollars,” said Buchanan.  “This project will reduce annual flooding, save thousands of dollars in damages, and improve the quality of life for area residents who have experienced significant hardship.  It is long over-due.”  

The President’s budget was submitted yesterday to Congress. 

“I will work to ensure that the funds necessary for construction are included in the final energy and water appropriations bill to come before Congress,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan helped secure more than $4.6 million for the project in the fiscal year 2008 omnibus appropriations bill.  He also helped increase the federal authorization for Wares Creek dredging from $13.8 million to $42.6 million.  Finally, the Congressman secured a commitment from federal, state, and local officials that every effort would be made to begin the project in the fall of 2008.