Brownback Announces Committee Passage of Energy and Water, Homeland Security Funding

Brownback Announces Committee Passage of Energy and Water, Homeland Security Funding
Bills include $66.4 million for projects in Kansas

Friday, June 17, 2005

WASHINGTON - Senator Sam Brownback announced last night Appropriations Committee approval of the Energy and Water, and Homeland Security Appropriations bills. The Energy and Water Appropriations bill provides more than $17 billion in funding for the Department of Energy and for various flood control, lake maintenance, and dam safety projects through the Army Corps of Engineers. The $32 billion Homeland Security Appropriations bill funds the operations of the Department of Homeland Security as well as other programs to ensure border security and airport safety. As approved, both bills are within budget.

"I am pleased that the Appropriations Committee passed two important and fiscally responsible bills today. The Senate continues to show its commitment to securing the United States against those who intend to harm us. The United States Government exists in order to protect its citizens, and the Homeland Security Appropriations bill does just that by providing important and necessary funding for programs that secure our border, airports, roads, and public places." Brownback said.

"I am also encouraged by the Committee's commitment to energy development and flood control. Although the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Energy don't always make front page news, Americans benefit from their hard work whenever they go to the gas station, turn on their lights, or drink tap water."

The Energy and Water Appropriations bill included $66.4 million for Kansas projects. This includes $25.8 million for routine maintenance of Kansas' reservoirs and lakes and $33.6 million for water infrastructure construction in the state. Selected projects include:

Brush Creek Basin General Investigation: $175,000

Grand (Neosho) River Basin Study: $300,000

Missouri River Degradation Study: $155,000

Rock Creek Basin Stormwater Project: $400,000

Telecommunications Energy Storage Systems Development, Overland Park, KS: $3,000,000

Turkey Creek Basin Flood Control Construction: $4,000,000

Tuttle Creek Lake Dam Safety Project: $27,000,000

Upper Arkansas River Reconnaissance Study: $100,000

Upper Turkey Creek General Investigation: $300,000

Having been approved by the Appropriations Committee, the Energy and Water and Homeland Security Appropriations bills now go to the full Senate for consideration. Senator Brownback is a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

http://brownback.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=239081&&days=365&