For Immediate Release:

Monday, March 19, 2007

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Patty Murray today applauded news that fiscal year 2007 funding for the deepening of the Columbia River would be doubled from $15 million to $30 million. Today's announcement of $15 million additional dollars was unexpected as the Administration had itself requested and approved the original $15 million within the President's budget last year.

"These unexpected extra dollars show that the Administration has truly gotten the message that channel deepening is vital to our region's growth," Senator Murray said. "In order to protect this investment, we must also devote necessary funds to repair the jetties and maintain the economic engine of southwest Washington."

In last year's tight budget, Senator Murray went beyond the President's request and used her position to secure new dollars for channel maintenance and jetty repair. Jetty repair and channel maintenance are critical for safe and reliable navigation and the economic security of the region.