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<< Back E-mail Update -- November 22, 2004 -- Volume 4, Number 18 Congress Appropriates $9 Million For Channel Deepening: Congress passed an omnibus appropriations bill over the weekend that includes $9 million for the Columbia River Channel Improvement Project. $9 million is exactly halfway between the $3 million and $15 million in the House and Senate versions of the FY2005 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. Outgoing Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Ted Stevens intervened and ensured that a bill was passed. With $9 million added to previous federal appropriations and state funding appropriated in Oregon and Washington, there should be enough funding for the Corps to issue a dredging contract in the spring/summer of 2005. Keep in mind, expending state appropriations must be done in proportion to the federal funds appropriated. Once President Bush signs the Omnibus bill, the Corps will likely proceed with construction of the project, beginning at RM 3 and working upriver until this year’s funds are exhausted. In order to continue the forward momentum and potentially complete the project in FY2007, the Channel Coalition is seeking $40 million in the federal Energy and Water Appropriations bill for FY2006, which would begin on October 1, 2005. The Coalition thanks the Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana congressional delegations for this appropriation and their hard work to ensure this project stays on track. This appropriation marks the 4th congressional appropriation for Channel Deepening: $4.5 million was appropriated in FY2001; $2 million in FY2003; $3.5 million in FY2004; and now $9 million for FY2005. As you may know, Congress pledged to fund 65% of the total cost of the project back in 1999 at the time of the original authorization for the project. Both Washington and Oregon will fund the other 35% (combined). Currently, each state has appropriated their share of state matching funds ($27.7 million). Again, thanks to NW congressional delegation members who recognize the significant importance of Channel Deepening to maintain future economic stability in our region. Did You Know? Woodland Washington is on the deep draft Columbia River at river mile 85. The channel is maintained at 40-feet deep, and the Port of Woodland has 178 acres on the banks of the Columbia available for deep water port development. Shipping ports near Woodland include Kalama (8 miles north), Longview (20 miles north) and Vancouver (25 miles south). Please contact us with any questions, concerns, or information requests. Thanks for your partnership in building a stronger economy through maritime trade. Dave Hunt, Executive Director Theeme Holznagel, Office Manager Columbia River Channel Coalition (503) 285-6343 (voice), (503) 285-6350 (fax) CRCC@ChannelCoalition.com (e-mail)
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