8th District Congressman Announces House Passage of $430,000 in Federal Funding for Flood Prevention and Creek Repair Projects Along with Energy Efficiency Measures

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District) announced federal funding for two local priorities. The House of Representatives, in passing the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, approved funding for two Bucks County projects for which Rep. Murphy fought. These projects were passed as part of a larger bill that invests in renewable fuels, global warming research and new technology to stop the harmful effects of climate change. The local projects include $250,000 for Bucks County Floodplain Management Services to study and evaluate recent flooding and update floodplain mapping over a wide area to help prevent and mitigate future flooding. The other project funded in this bill is $182,000 for a study of Southampton Creek to restore the ecosystem along approximately two miles of degraded stream in Upper Southampton Township.

“These projects are vital for flood planning and prevention and for repairing an important ecosystem in our area,” said Congressman Patrick Murphy. “I was proud to fight for these local priorities and am glad that they cleared this important hurdle in getting the resources they need.”

As part of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, Rep. Murphy supports a 50 percent increase in energy efficiency and renewable energy, including solar, biofuels, hydropower and geothermal energy. The bill also reduces our dependence on foreign oil and cuts greenhouse gas emissions. It calls for new vehicle technology and energy efficient buildings and homes – even exceeding President Bush’s request. Earlier this year, Murphy joined a bipartisan majority to repeal $14 billion in taxpayer subsidies given to Big Oil companies – earning record profits – and invest in clean alternative energy technologies and energy efficiency.

“We need to reverse global warming and cut our dependence on foreign oil. This bill invests in the American economy and American security through energy innovation right here at home,” added Murphy. “Energy independence is a matter of national security and I am glad that this bill received bipartisan support. This legislation also adds important accountability measures and makes sure that taxpayer dollars go to the right kind of investments in our communities and critical new technologies.”

Bucks County Floodplain Management Services ($250,000). These funds will allow a study to evaluate recent flooding that has occurred as a result of numerous storm events in the last several years that have caused substantial damages and have altered channel segments. The study will update floodplain mapping over a wide geographical area, which will be valuable for comprehensive prevention and mitigation plans.

Southampton Creek ($182,000). This funding will allow for the completion of the feasibility study which would design the repairs to the riparian ecosystem along approximately two miles of degraded stream in Upper Southampton Township.

The Energy and Water Appropriations bill includes $3 billion to research global warming and work on new technologies and renewable energy to slow it down, including new investments in the research and development of:

• Biofuels such as corn-based and cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel
• Projects to make solar energy more affordable
• New vehicle technologies
• Energy efficient buildings
• Hydropower & geothermal sources of energy

The Energy and Water legislation also includes tough new accountability measures to root out waste, fraud and abuse. It will also make our country safer – providing additional funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to fill the gaps in flood protection highlighted by Hurricane Katrina and for nuclear non-proliferation to keep these dangerous weapons out of the hands of terrorists.

For Immediate Release, July 17, 2007
CONTACT: Adam Abrams, (202) 225-4276