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U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) issued the following statement in response to the $2.7 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 federal budget President Bush submitted to Congress today that did not include any funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in Central New Jersey.
"For the second year in a row President Bush turned his back on New Jersey shore communities by refusing to fund any beach replenishment projects north of Barnegat Inlet. Our beaches benefit visitors from all around the mid-Atlantic region, and it is unfair to expect New Jersey taxpayers to pay for the entire cost of these projects.
"The president's refusal to commit any funds to Central New Jersey projects makes it more difficult for me to secure the funds needed to protect our coastline. It's time President Bush realize that when he gives up on our beaches he is giving up on a tremendous economic engine for our region, one that pumps money back into the federal coffers.
"Fortunately, my colleagues in Congress have a much better understanding of the value of protecting coastal resources than the administration. Last year, I secured more than $5 million for beach replenishment along the Monmouth County shore, continued feasibility studies for several projects in the Bayshore and flood control projects along the Shrewsbury and South Rivers. None of this money was included in President Bush's budget, yet Congress added it at my request. I will renew that fight again this year in the hopes that it produces similar results." |
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