U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) teamed up with Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) to deliver millions of dollars for important southern West Virginia water and flood protection projects.

"Communities throughout southern West Virginia will benefit from flood protection projects and increased federal investment in sewer and water projects," Rahall said. "The bill includes federal investments for the Southern West Virginia Environmental Infrastructure Program, which I created, as well as much-needed funding to help with floods around Island Creek in Logan County.

"And thanks to the efforts of Senator Byrd, the communities in and around Marlinton and Milton will see increased investment in flood protection programs. These investments would not have been possible without the support of Senator Byrd," Rahall added.

The Conference Report passed the House of Representatives with wide bipartisan support. Rahall worked diligently to ensure the bill included $305,000 for a flood warning system at Island Creek in Logan County and $2.75 million for Rahall's Southern West Virginia Environmental Infrastructure Program, which assists communities with water and wastewater needs.

"I am pleased the $305,000 for Island Creek will go to continue the flood protection project we began years ago," said Rahall. "Over the past several years, a need has been recognized for flood protection around Island Creek and, with assistance from local and state officials, we are addressing that need. It is an important project to folks in Logan County and I'm happy to help provide to needed funding to keep the ball rolling."

Rahall has either secured or helped secure more than $2.5 million to alleviate flooding problems around Island Creek.

Rahall's Environmental Infrastructure Program remains a positive force in southern West Virginia for water and wastewater projects. The program was put in place by Rahall years ago and has brought $21.75 million in federal investment to the southern part of the State.

"The $2.75 million in federal investment will be used to ensure southern West Virginia communities have suitable drinking water and wastewater facilities through a variety of projects across the area," Rahall said.

In addition to the projects explained above, additional investments will be made in the amount of $914,000 for the Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam and $1.364 million for work at the R.D. Bailey Lake.

"Senator Byrd and I have made a commitment to bring important federal investments to southern West Virginia in the form of flood control and improved water and wastewater treatment facilities. We will continue to work diligently to address the issues important to everyone in southern West Virginia," Rahall added.

Once approved by the Senate, the Conference Report will be sent to the President to be signed into law.