July 11, 2008
 
Rahall Secures Federal Money for Flood Investigations in Spring Valley; $3.26 Million for State Water Projects
 
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
 
Washington, DC (HNN) – As part of the Fiscal 2009 Energy and Water Development Appropriations for the Army Corps of Engineers in southern West Virginia, U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) secured committee approval for three flood control projects including an investigation along Spring Valley /Krouts Creek. The $60,000 allows an inquiry into continued flooding in this section of Huntington, which has continued after a prior control project. “This funding will help to advance efforts needed to ensure protection of homes, businesses and lives and provide peace of mind to families along the flood zones,” said Rahall.
 
Additionally, the Third District Congressman gained approval of $200,000 for the Upper Guyandotte River flood control project and $1.5 million for a project along the Greenbrier River Basin. This funding, approved by the full House Appropriations Committee, includes $3.26 million for Army Corps of Engineers projects in southern West Virginia, of which $1.5 million will be part of the Southern West Virginia Environmental Infrastructure Program.
 
"Flooding is a serious concern in southern West Virginia, making water infrastructure projects one of my top priorities," Rahall said. "The funding in this bill, which I requested, will help to ensure that the Army Corps can move forward with construction projects that can help to protect our homes and families from dangerous flooding."The Southern West Virginia Environmental Infrastructure Program, put in place by Rahall more than a decade ago, is a crucial component of the Army Corps’ water projects in southern West Virginia. Rahall’s $1.5 million will allow the Army Corps to continue the many storm water, wastewater, surface water protection, and environmental restoration projects under the program.
 
The 2009 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill included $9.41 million in operations and management funding, supported by Congressman Rahall, for the following ongoing projects in southern West Virginia: $1.399 million for Beech Fork Lake, $1.433 million for Bluestone Lake, $1.942 million for East Lynn Lake, $2.694 million for RD Bailey Lake, and $1.942 million for Summersville Lake. Additionally, Rahall supported $12 million for the Bluestone Lake Dam safety measures that were included in the bill.
 
However, the bill must receive passage by the full U.S. House of Representatives and then to a conference committee to work out differences between Senate-passed and House-passed versions. Once the conference report receives approval from both bodies, it goes to the White House for the President’s signature.