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Oberstar Secures Funding for Minnesota Water Projects
Washington DC – The U.S. House of Representatives has legislation that includes over $16 million to fund a number of water infrastructure and clean energy projects in Northeast Minnesota. The Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act is one of 12 appropriations bills Congress must pass to fund the operations of the U.S. government. The Energy and Water legislation funds vital federal programs that maintain our nation’s navigable waterways and protect l habitat. The legislation also funds key energy independence programs.
“This legislation makes important investments in many important projects and programs in Northeast Minnesota,” said Congressman Jim Oberstar. “With the help of Congressman Dave Obey, we are continuing to fund the design and construction of a second lock at Sault Ste. Marie. The Energy and Water legislation also includes funding for the Army Corps of Engineers 569 program, which helps communities in Northeast Minnesota repair aging water and sewer systems.”
Funding for two Minnesota clean energy programs is also included. The Renewable Energy Clean Air Project in Koochiching County uses new plasma arc technology to convert solid waste to electricity. The Leaders for a Sustainable Tomorrow program will construct buildings with a net-zero carbon footprint, and offer educational programs to show others how to use that technology.
The following projects of importance to Minnesota 8th District were included in the bill:
$969,000 Army Corps of Engineers Section 569 program, Northeast Minnesota
$969,000 Ste. Sault Marie planning and design of a second lock
$8,613,000 Duluth Superior Harbor, operations and maintenance
$3,229,000 Reservoirs at Headwaters of Mississippi River
$333,000 Two Harbors, harbor operations and maintenance
$1,000,000 Renewable Energy Clean Air Project, Koochiching County
$1,500,000 Today's Leaders for a Sustainable Tomorrow
The House approval of the final Energy and Water conference agreement sends the bill to the U.S. Senate. . President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law after the Senate gives its final approval.
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