Crenshaw Secures $2.25 Million in Beach Renourishment Funds for Nassau County

Crenshaw Secures $2.25 Million in Beach Renourishment Funds for Nassau County

2005-11-09

(WASHINGTON) - Congressman Ander Crenshaw (R-FL), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, secured $2.25 million in funding for beach renourishment projects in Nassau County. The funds are included in the Fiscal Year 2006 Energy & Water Appropriations Bill, which was passed by the House today and soon will be sent to the President's desk to be signed into law.

"This is a major victory for Nassau Count?s beach renourishment project," Crenshaw said. "This year?s funding represents an increase of six-fold above last year's levels. Florida's beaches are a treasure and vital to our state's economy. Estimates show the impact of Florida?s beaches on the state economy at almost $9 billion and accounts for 442,000 jobs. Investments that enhance and protect our local beaches will pay future dividends."

Crenshaw added: "Nearly half of our state's 800-plus miles of sandy beaches have faced erosion problems at some point due to hurricanes and other severe weather, and this issue cannot be ignored. In a tight budget environment, where getting federal funds for our beaches is almost as difficult as counting every grain of sand on the shoreline, renourishment funds were recognized as an important priority. I am committed to making certain beach renourishment remains a budget priority."

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Crenshaw has worked to secure nearly $8 million over the past year in beach renourishment funding for Northeast Florida beaches, including $375,000 for Nassau County in Fiscal Year 2005.

http://crenshaw.house.gov/crenshaw-web/proc/?pa=universal&sa=showPr&itemId=276