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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives approved a Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 omnibus bill that includes funding for the South River and Millbrook flood control project and the maintenance dredging of the Raritan River.
The House approved a $410 billion spending bill that combines nine appropriations bills into one omnibus bill funding domestic programs and foreign operations for FY 2009, which officially began on October 1, 2008. The bill now goes to the Senate for its approval before heading to the president's desk for his signature.
The New Jersey congressman officially requested the funding for the two Middlesex projects in a letter to members of the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee last year.
The House approved $263,000 for the South River Flood Damage Reduction & Ecosystem Restoration project. The funds will be used to continue the preconstruction, engineering and design phase of the project.
Pallone said that a feasibility study was completed in 2002 and recommended hurricane and storm damage protection consisting of storm surge barriers, two levees and floodwalls and drainage facilities.
The House approved $204,000 to continue work on the maintenance dredging on the Raritan River. A condition survey was conducted in 2003, identifying areas of shoaling in the river.
The House also approved Section 205 Continuing Authority Program (CAP) funding to continue plans and specifications for the construction contract of the Millbrook flood control project. Millbrook has a persistent flooding problem, which has led to structural damage and severe erosion in some areas.
"I am pleased that once again Congress has recognized the need for flood protection projects and maintenance dredging in Middlesex County," Pallone said. "Since the Raritan River has averaged more than three million tons of commercial traffic over the five years, we must complete the maintenance dredging to ensure the safety of both recreational and commercial ships. The funds approved by the House today will also allow for plans to continue for the Millbrook and South River flood protection projects."
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