Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-13) secured a commitment today from the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE), Lieutenant General Robert L. “Van” Antwerp that the Project Partnership Agreement to dredge Wares Creek in Bradenton will be “signed, sealed and executed” by the end of next week.

“This is good news for the people of this neighborhood who have waited too long for the federal government to honor its commitment to help dredge the creek,” said Buchanan.

For decades, sediment build-up has caused flooding of Wares Creek, causing – on average – an annual $6,700 in damages. The recommended plan would reduce average annual damages by at least 57 percent. In 1986, the federal government made a commitment to work with state, county, and local officials to dredge the creek.

“Manatee County has been waiting since January for the army corps to sign the final agreement with the county on this project,” said Buchanan in a phone call to Antwerp. “I understand the need for a thorough review, but surely seven months is sufficient.”

Buchanan secured a total of $8.5 million to dredge the flood-prone creek and increased the project’s federal authorization from $13.8 million to $42.6 million.