(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today applauded the House Appropriations Committee for including a provision for Block Island in H.R. 5427 - the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2007. Langevin supports the bill's provisions that will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to replace a portion of the Old Harbor bulkhead. The appropriations bill passed the House last week by a vote of 404 to 20.

H.R. 5427 appropriates $30 billion in FY 2007, including $5 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers.  The Army Corps allocation contained $300,000 for the Old Harbor project. 

“I am proud to support this project that will help protect Old Harbor,” said Langevin. “By reinforcing the seawall, we will be reinforcing the protections of Old Harbor, the boats moored and docked there and the many shops, restaurants and hotels that surround the harbor.”

Rebuilding the bulkhead is part of an ongoing Army Corps of Engineers project, which began with the dredging of Old Harbor. The dredged materials were deposited near the shoreline of Crescent Beach.

H.R. 5427 must now be reconciled with the Senate’s version, to be considered later this year. “I am hopeful that the final conference report, like the House bill, will recognize the importance of this project to ensure the protection of Old Harbor and its surrounding businesses,” said Langevin.

 
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