$1.9 Million In Federal Funding For Harbor Maintenance And Sustainable Energy Development

Press Release

$1.9 Million In Federal Funding For Harbor Maintenance And Sustainable Energy Development

By a vote of 320-97, the U.S. House of Representatives has given final approval to legislation that includes over $1.9 million in federal funding championed by Congressman Steve Cohen that will be used for harbor maintenance and promote the use of sustainable energy at the University of Memphis.

"Maintaining the navigation channel to Memphis Harbor is absolutely vital to the flow of commerce and promoting economic development. That's why I fought hard to make sure that Army Corps of Engineers has the funding it needs to get this important job done," Congressman Cohen said. "This bill will also help the University of Memphis to move forward with its plans to promote sustainable energy on the campus. Finally, I also want to commend President Obama for including $100,000 in federal funding to begin the process of a Storm Water Management Study for Memphis."

Specifically, HR 3183, the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Act, contains $1,417,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the mouth of Memphis Harbor (McKellar Lake). The bill also includes $500,000 for the University of Memphis to invest in the use of biofuel micro-refineries that use biomass and other waste to generate sustainable energy. The legislation also includes a $100,000 request from President Obama that will be used to conduct a storm water management study.

In addition to funding for local projects, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act invests in new technologies that will create the next generation of vehicles with improved fuel efficiency, better and cleaner engines and better batteries. It also helps modernize our electric grid by investing in "smart grid" technology that will ensure efficient and reliable delivery of electricity to American homes and businesses.

The bill increases funds for weatherization grants to help struggling families improve their homes' energy efficiency and save hundreds of dollars annually in electricity and heating costs. It also invests in the water infrastructure needs of our communities to improve water quality and spur economic development after years of neglect.

The U.S. Senate will consider a similar spending measure later this fall. It will then be up to a joint Senate-House committee to hammer out any differences between the two measures. Congressman Cohen has vowed to fight to make sure that the final bill sent to President Obama for his signature retains the funding for the Ninth District announced today.

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