Congressman Rodney Alexander
Louisiana's 5th District
Picture of Louisiana
Picture of Louisiana
Picture of Louisiana
Picture of Louisiana

PRESS RELEASES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jenni Terry, 202-225-8490

July 25, 2007


Alexander Announces Earmarks in Agriculture Appropriations Bill

 

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, today announced the following earmarks have been included in the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee appropriations bill.

Alexander, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, worked to secure the following projects:

● Union-Lincoln Regional Water Supply Initiative                                                                                          $123,750
This funding will be used to seek a long-term, viable solution to the critical groundwater condition in this region caused by years of dependence on and depletion of the Sparta Aquifer in north Louisiana and south Arkansas.

● Louisiana Rural Development Center (Louisiana Tech University)                                                                    $150,000
Alexander secured $150,000 for the Louisiana Tech Rural Development Center, which facilitates the transfer of information and technical assistance from Louisiana’s universities, state agencies and federal agencies to rural communities and community leaders on issues that are important to rural areas.

● Delta Regional Authority                                    $3,000,000
The Delta Regional Authority will use this funding to continue assisting economically distressed communities leverage other federal and state programs which are focused on basic infrastructure development and transportation improvements, business development and job-training services.

“It is reassuring to see funding go toward initiatives that will strengthen Louisiana’s agricultural industry as well as address important concerns facing the environment and regional economies,” Alexander said.

The agriculture appropriations bill is expected to be considered on the House floor in the coming weeks.  Should it pass, the earmarks will await final approval in the joint House-Senate Conference report. Alexander said it is important to note that these numbers are not final or guaranteed, but their inclusion in the House bill is a step in the right direction toward achieving federal funding for these important projects.

###