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Washington, D.C., Jul 20, 2007 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that $1,500,000 has been included in the House-passed FY08 Energy & Water Appropriations Bill for the dredging of the Appomattox River in Petersburg, Virginia.

“Dredging of the Appomattox River is a critical step in the economic development and successful revitalization of the City of Petersburg and the Tri-Cities region. There is a tremendous amount of regional cooperation and support for this important project, and I am pleased to be working with Petersburg and Prince George officials to see this project through to fruition,” Forbes said.

The primary purpose of this project is to restore the Appomattox River channel to a navigable waterway to and from the James River. This project will provide the City of Petersburg and neighboring jurisdictions the ability to improve commercial use of the river in addition to recreational facilities such as a harbor, pier, park and other amenities that will enhance economic development.

Forbes requested funding from the House Appropriations Committee for the Appomattox River Dredging project on behalf of the City of Petersburg and Prince George County. The House passage of this legislation is the first step in this process to secure federal funding. The Senate will now consider its version of the bill, the two legislative bodies will then meet in conference to reconcile differences in the bills, and finally the legislation will be sent to the President to be signed into law.

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