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Washington, D.C. --- Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an omnibus funding bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 that includes funds for the South River flood control project and funds to continue work on the maintenance dredging of the Raritan River, said U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).
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 earlier this year.
The House approved $161,000 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 also approved $2.914 million 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.
"I commend Congress for once again recognizing the importance flood control and maintenance dredging projects in Middlesex County," Pallone said. "The funds approved by the House yesterday will allow the Army Corps to continue with the important engineering and design of the South River flood control project so that we can soon begin actual construction.
"We must also complete the maintenance dredging of the Raritan River so that this highly-traveled river is safe for both commercial and recreational ships to navigate," Pallone continued.
The funds were included in a giant $515.7 billion spending bill that combines 11 appropriations bills into one omnibus bill funding domestic programs and foreign operations for FY 2008, which officially began on October 1, 2007. The legislation now goes to the Senate for its approval.
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