In his first year on the Energy and Water Subcommittee which funds most Oak Ridge federal programs, Congressman Zach Wamp obtained significant funding increases in all three major mission areas of the Oak Ridge federal complex.

Appropriations spending for Defense Programs, Science, and Environmental Management were strongly supported in the 2002 Energy and Water Conference that ended late last night. "After months of strong negotiations between the House and Senate Appropriators, we were successful in 'plussing up' the critical missions that provide thousands of jobs and support our nations national security and cutting edge technology efforts," said Wamp.

The Spallation Neutron Source, the nation?s largest civilian science project, and the Mouse House (Laboratory for Comparative and Functional Genomics) were fully funded through the Energy and Water Conference Committee. SNS will receive $291.4 million to keep this project on track. This is an increase of $16.8 million over last year?s level.

"The world-class technology at SNS will be used to develop everything from medical miracles to transportation breakthroughs. It?s another major step forward for the East Tennessee Technology Corridor, which I have been working to develop ever since I came to Congress."

The Mouse House will get $11.4 million; the total amount needed to complete construction of the new facility. The extra $1.4 million the committee provided will accelerate construction and save $800,000 by allowing the old facility to be vacated a year early.

The Y-12 weapons plant got an increase of $40 million above the Administration's request. And, a new $200 million dollar fund was created to advance the modernization process throughout the DOE weapons complex. Y-12 has been called the "poster child for modernization," and the Oak Ridge plant will be at the top of the list to get a significant portion of this funding because of its desperate need of repairs. Workers at the Y-12 plant often must wear hard hats indoors to protect themselves from concrete falling from the dilapidated ceilings.

"During this time of heightened national security, it is even more important that our weapons facilities be modernized. This 'facilities and infrastructure' funding will allow the crumbling structures at Y-12 to be replaced by more efficient and cost-effective facilities, " said Wamp. "Our workers deserve to carry out the national security of our nation in a safe environment. Updating the decades-old manufacturing methods at Y-12 can save literally millions of dollars each year. We are way behind in the modernization of Y-12."

"Obviously, the 'critical patient' this year was Environmental Management (EM) funding. I was very concerned about a potential shortfall and lobbied heavily for more money. I am delighted to report that clean up funding for Oak Ridge was increased $60 million over the Administration's request. Our EM missions in Oak Ridge should move forward without delay or disruption," said Wamp. "This additional money will help us meet our milestones under an agreement with the State of Tennessee and fulfill our responsibility to the Oak Ridge community in cleaning up the nuclear legacy of the Cold War."

The Conference Committee also included $2.315 million for operation and maintenance of the Chickamauga Lock in Chattanooga. The funding will allow the lock to remain open while a new lock is being planned. In addition, the bill includes $500,000 to begin designing the new lock.