Murphy was Joined by Bucks County Commissioners Diane Marseglia (D) and Jim Cawley (R) to Announce the Funds for Elevating and Protecting Flood-Prone Homes

(Bristol, PA) – Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District) continued his Memorial Day district work period with an announcement about flood relief. At an elevated home along the Neshaminy Creek, Rep. Murphy announced that he has secured federal funding for watershed and flood prevention operations along the Neshaminy Creek. Murphy was able to secure $2.5 million in assistance for local flood agencies to remove, elevate and protect flood-prone homes and businesses. There are approximately 1,200 residents and 500 employees in the affected area. At the elevated home along the Neshaminy, Murphy was joined by Bucks County Commissioners from both parties, Diane Marseglia (D) and James Cawley (R). Murphy, Marseglia and Cawley praised bipartisan cooperation on behalf of flood affected families and businesses in Bucks County.

“I was proud to fight in a bipartisan way for these federal dollars in the face of funding cuts for flood repairs,” said Congressman Patrick Murphy. “This is not a Democratic or Republican issue – it is about helping flood prone families and businesses who are at risk and looking for results, not more political gridlock. These critical resources will help with elevations, flood proofing and most of all, peace of mind for when the rain starts and water levels rise.”

“We have now either purchased and removed from the floodplain or elevated close to 200 homes. There are at least anywhere from 30 to 50 remaining that still need our attention, and those families still need our help. This $2.5 million is going to enable us to do just that, help those individuals the way we’ve helped Bob Sheppard and the other people in this community to move on with their lives,” said Bucks County Commission Chairman James Cawley. “This is a very, very important part of how we will continue to make sure that all Bucks Countians remain safe in their home and again, I can’t thank Congressman Murphy enough for his stalwart effort in securing this money.”

“There is probably nothing more important to a family than their home and the very idea that every time it rains they are worried again about whether they will lose that home, that’s a difficult way to go through life,” said Bucks County Commissioner Diane Marseglia. “Thanks to Congressman Murphy being able to get in there and work in a bipartisan effort – really fight for the people that live in this county, we will be able to help people. Families across Bucks County are thanking you, as am I.”

About Neshaminy Flood Relief

Last year, Congressman Murphy led a bipartisan effort with Rep. Jerry Moran (R-KS) to request additional funds for Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations. This critical program funds both the Small Watershed Program and the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. These programs are vital tools for local governments and organizations in combating and preventing flood disasters. Funding for these programs was zeroed out in President Bush’s FY 2008 Budget, and Murphy felt it was critical to continue funding these flood prevention initiatives. In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, these funds have been used by local flood agencies to remove flood prone homes and businesses from flood zones, elevating properties to eliminate flood damage, and for flood proofing of additional structures. This was a successful bipartisan effort – through a letter sent with Rep. Jerry Moran (R-KS) – and three other members of Congress. Ultimately, the FY 08 Agriculture Appropriations bill, which Rep. Murphy voted for, funded the program, including $2,512,000 for the Neshaminy Watershed.

For Planning Purposes, May 28, 2008
Contact: Adam Abrams, (202) 225-4276