Funding included in the 2007 Interior Appropriations Legislation; Bill sent to Senate for Approval

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2007, which included a request by 12^th District Congressman John Barrow for $350,000 in funding for the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area.

"This funding is critical in managing and maintaining the historic Augusta Canal," Barrow said.  "These funds will be used for the ongoing preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the National Heritage area boundary."

During the Civil War, the Augusta Canal was home to the Confederate States Powder Works, producing almost three million pounds of gunpowder.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the canal has also been designated a National Historic Landmark, as a Regionally Important Resource by the State of Georgia, and a National Heritage area by Congress.

"The canal is one of Augusta's oldest treasures," Barrow said.  "After 160 years, this waterway continues to serve the people of Augusta - providing recreation, education, and economic opportunities.  In addition, the canal's power plant remains a reliable source of renewable hydroelectric energy." 

Built in 1845, the Augusta Canal is the only industrial power canal of its kind still in use.  In 2004, the two Enterprise Mill hydropower generators operated by the Augusta Canal Authority produced 7,368,096 kilowatt hours of electricity, generating $227,123 of income used to match Congressional appropriations to the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area.

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Contact: Harper Lawson, (202) 225-2823

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