CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON PROTECTS EXEMPTION FOR TRINITY LEVEES IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL

Washington, DC (Tuesday, July 6, 2010) – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson voted for and the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4899, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010. Included in the bill are key provisions such as protecting an existing Senate amendment that exempts the Corps of Engineering and the Federal Highway Administration from having to determine if the Trinity River Levees are historic. Without these exemptions, Dallas residents would almost certainly be burdened with having to purchase flood insurance.

The exemption is headed back to the Senate for consideration and if passed, the City of Dallas will be able to move forward with its remediation of the Trinity River Levees allowing them to meet federal flood-mapping deadlines.

 “I was pleased to protect this critical amendment offered by Senator Hutchinson that is needed to ensure the safety of Dallas residents from flooding,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.