Reichert Secures $7 Million For Energy, Infrastructure Support

Press Release

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today lauded the passage of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which will provide more than $7.5 million in annual support for local infrastructure in Washington State for 2010. Reichert secured funding for two key flood control projects at the Mud Mountain Dam and for the Duwamish/Green Ecosystem Restoration program, among others. This legislation also awards the annual funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, which is charged with maintenance, improvement, and repair of the Howard Hanson Dam.

"These projects both protect our natural resources and promote the use of clean energy," Reichert said. "I'm also pleased to support the Army Corps, as a critical part of their mission in our district is to implement near-term repairs to the Howard Hanson Dam, while also conducting analysis and executing the long-term fix. This funding is critical to public safety and the protection of our citizens and their property."

Reichert obtained the following in the Energy and Water Appropriations Conference Report:

Duwamish/Green Ecosystem Restoration Program - $2,600,000. This is a 14-year collaborative effort by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, King County, 15 cities in the watershed, the City of Tacoma, and numerous public agency and non-governmental resource groups to provide critical environmental improvements, including assistance in the recovery of Endangered Species Act federally-listed Chinook salmon.

Mud Mountain Dam (construction) - $400,000. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control dam on the White River will control floods in the lower White and Puyallup River valleys. The new dam will replace the 100-year old structure and enable the Corps to meet ongoing fish-passage needs for Mud Mountain dam.

Mud Mountain Dam (operations and maintenance) - $3,056,000. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control dam on the White River will control floods in the lower White and Puyallup River valleys. The new dam will replace the 100-year old structure and enable the Corps to meet ongoing fish-passage needs for Mud Mountain dam.

Issaquah Highlands Zero Energy Affordable Housing - $500,000. These funds will build a cutting edge, attached residential green building demonstration project which will be one of the most innovative green housing projects in the Pacific Northwest. The project involves the design, construction, and sale of 10 attached residential homes, built to an extremely green standard.

University of Washington's Center for Biofuels - $1,000,000. These funds will drive research and development to convert Washington mixed biomass sources into transportation fuels. The center is lacking critical equipment and lab facilities to do the comprehensive research that is necessary to design a commercial scale facility, and this financial support will help meet this need.

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