For Immediate Release
Friday, July 13, 2007
Contact: Josh Moenning
(402) 438-1598
Washington, DC - Congressman Jeff Fortenberry announced today that approximately $18.2 million in federal funding for district projects has been approved by the Appropriations Committee. The committee’s action means that the funding will be included in the relevant appropriations bills when they are introduced for Floor consideration. Although the legislative process is not yet complete, initial inclusion in the underlying legislation increases the likelihood that the funding for each project will win final approval.
“I am pleased to announce that the Appropriations Committee has approved approximately $18.2 million in funding I requested for district projects. Federal dollars are limited and the funding announced today represents a smart investment of federal resources. By providing assistance to ongoing efforts in the areas of education, infrastructure improvement, environmental restoration, flood control, and law enforcement, the committee has chosen to provide valuable help to Nebraskans.”
Committee action concerned appropriations contained in four bills: the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill; the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill; the Transportation and HUD appropriations bill; and the Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill.
Together, the bills fund the following projects:
Lincoln, Antelope Creek Flood Damage Reduction Project-- $9,000,000
Western Sarpy-Clear Creek Flood Damage Reduction -- $6,000,000
Sand Creek Environmental Restoration Project -- $1,700,000
Lincoln, Antelope Valley Transportation Improvements -- $500,000
Nebraska State Patrol Methamphetamine Initiative -- $375,000
Nebraska Telehealth -- $250,000
Fremont Section 205 Flood Control Study -- $160,000
Schuyler Section 205 Flood Control Study -- $150,000
Peru State Adopt a High School Program -- $100,000
The Antelope Creek Flood Damage Reduction Project is a partnership between the City of Lincoln, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to reduce flooding threats to over 800 dwellings and 1,200 floodplain residents.
The Western Sarpy-Clear Creek Flood Damage Reduction seeks to protect drinking water supplies that supply up to 50% of Nebraska’s population from contamination due to flooding.
The Sand Creek Environmental Restoration Project seeks to restore several historic wetlands and add to the national wetlands inventory.
The Lincoln, Nebraska, Antelope Valley Transportation Project devotes resources to significant road and pedestrian improvements, and for efforts to reduce traffic congestion.
The Nebraska State Patrol Methamphetamine Initiative seeks to curb methamphetamine abuse in Nebraska, with particular emphasis placed on enforcement and treatment activities.
The Nebraska State Telehealth Program is an interactive video and data network that supports communications integration among hospitals, public health laboratories, and other healthcare entities across Nebraska.
The Fremont Section 205 Flood Control Study funding represents the federal share needed to complete feasibility planning needed to strengthen existing levees that protect South Fremont.
The Schuyler Section 205 Flood Control Study funding represents the federal share needed to continue planning for the mitigation in 40% of the city that is expected to be designated “flood plain” by FEMA
The Peru State College Adopt a School Program offers high school juniors from participating rural Nebraska high schools advanced learning opportunities and a four-year tuition scholarship to Peru State College upon graduation from high school.
###