The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2015 Energy and Water Appropriations bill with strong support in a vote of 253-170. The $34 billion appropriations bill includes a significant budget increase for the Army Corps of Engineers, an agency responsible for civil works projects including flood risk management, navigation, recreation, infrastructure and environmental stewardship. Rep. Gene Green released the following statement:
“For months now, we’ve fought to secure more funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, leading a letter to President Obama requesting additional funding in his budget, and supporting the amendment that added $57 million for the Corps through the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Back home, the Army Corps does important work dredging the Port of Houston and the Houston Ship Channel, undertaking environmental remediation in the bay, managing flood control throughout our bayou system, and much more.”
“Over the past few years however, the Army Corps has faced a backlog of projects due to increasing budget pressures. The fact is we can’t afford a backlog, the Port of Houston, one of the biggest ports in the nation, generates enormous revenue through imports and exports, and supports thousands of jobs. The Houston bayou system saves taxpayers millions through flood mitigation and management. Unfortunately, the needs of these areas haven’t been met in a timely fashion. We’re pleased that the House voted to pass a bill that supports funding for these important projects."
