WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11), Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), and Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) announced over $22.7 million in federal funding for four projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  The funding was allocated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a result of the recovery package that Congress passed and was then enacted on February 17.  The Army Corps provides public engineering services for projects throughout the country.  The funding will help a variety of projects including the Scranton Flood Control Project, Wyoming Valley Levee Raising Project, Francis E. Walter Dam, and Nanticoke Creek as they continue to move forward with flood control efforts, environmental restoration, and structural upgrades. 

On February 18, Congressman Kanjorski sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works John Paul Woodley, Jr. requesting that a portion of the funding allocated to the Army Corps from the recovery package assist the Scranton Flood Control Project and the Wyoming Valley Levee Raising Project.

"This funding from the recovery package will provide vital assistance to projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania which will improve the quality of life for residents and improve local communities," said Congressman Kanjorski.  "These projects will provide jobs in the area while also protecting Northeastern Pennsylvanians from floods and environmental hazards.  I have worked to secure a great deal of funding for all of these projects because I understand how instrumental they would be for area residents.  Today's funding announcement gets us even closer towards achieving these goals."

"I am happy that these recovery funds are being allocated so quickly for Northeastern Pennsylvania's infrastructure," said Senator Casey.  "These funds will help Northeastern Pennsylvania create jobs, upgrade infrastructure and facilities and provide the support for our communities."

"I am pleased to see the stimulus funds benefit Pennsylvania's flood control and protection systems," said Senator Specter. "This funding will help create jobs, protect property and ensure safety for residents of Northeast Pennsylvania.  I am also pleased to see that a portion of funding will be devoted to environmental restoration relative to acid mine drainage." 

"As the county is having such financial troubles, as are many other municipalities throughout the country, I'm so happy that we could get this needed funding for the Wyoming Valley Levee Raising Project," said Luzerne County Commissioner Maryanne Petrilla.  "Congressman Kanjorski has put so much into this and done so much for it - it has been his passion.  I'm confident that we will get even more money in the future to see this project through to its completion."

"Earth Conservancy and the Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore Division, have been working on the Nanticoke Creek Watershed Project for several years," said Mike Dziak, President/CEO of Earth Conservancy.  "This funding is a major step toward realizing the goals for comprehensive restoration of the watershed.  Congressman Kanjorski has been instrumental in obtaining the funds, which will begin the process of restoring the watershed, land and ultimately the quality of life and economic viability to the Lower Wyoming Valley of Luzerne County."

The more than $22.7 million in funding will assist the following projects:

• $8.3 million - Scranton Flood Control Project

The funding will aid with needed construction for the project.  In addition to this funding, Congressman Kanjorski has diligently worked to secure funding for the $55 million project that will protect hundreds of homes and businesses in Scranton from flooding.

• $7.3 million - Wyoming Valley Levee Raising Project

The funding will aid with needed construction for the project.  In addition to this funding, Congressman Kanjorski has secured over $200 million in federal funds for this project.  This project is one of the Congressman's top priorities and it has already prevented flooding in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the summer of 2006. 

• $4.8 million - Francis E. Walter Dam

The funding will help provide needed upgrades on multiple sections of the dam.  Congressman Kanjorski was instrumental is working to pave the top of the dam by securing $2.8 million, making it into a recreation area and available for transportation crossing.  The Francis E. Walter Reservoir borders Luzerne and Carbon Counties. 

• $2.3 million - Nanticoke Creek

The funding will help clean up the creek as mine runoff continues to pollute the waterway.  This project is sponsored by Earth Conservancy, which aims to reclaim mine-scarred land.  Congressman Kanjorski obtained $20 million in federal funds for this non-profit charitable organization which was created in 1992.  The Earth Conservancy is restoring, preserving, and developing more than 16,000 acres of land throughout Luzerne County that was previously owned by a bankrupt coal company.  To date, the Earth Conservancy has reclaimed over 1,000 acres of former coal lands.

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