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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: GLEN DOWNS
October 19, 2000  (202) 225-3415
 
JONES PROVISIONS FOR EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA PASS HOUSE
Includes Walter Jones’ Request for $70 Million for 
Dare County Beaches, Program to Clean Area Streams
 
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives passed today the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 (S. 2796) by an overwhelming vote of 394-14. This bill includes a number of Rep. Jones’ provisions that would aid beach renourishment and disaster prevention for coastal North Carolina.
 
“This bill is a victory for Eastern North Carolina, and I commend the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for bringing this important legislation to the House floor,” Rep. Jones said. “While recovery is progressing and people’s lives are slowly returning to normal, our rivers and streams remain clogged with debris from that horrific storm.  This measure will help ensure that North Carolina will not continue to remain so vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.”

S. 2796 concentrates on the civil engineering programs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, providing water related engineering services. The Corps of Engineers studies potential projects related to reducing flood damage, promoting environmental restoration, and develops alternatives that address water and related land issues. The Water Resources Development Act would provide over $6 billion in overall spending. The legislation calls for turning over the authority of the Morehead City Ports turning basin transfers from the State of North Carolina to the Army Corp of Engineers. The funding also includes emergency snagging and dragging for four major rivers and tributaries in Eastern North Carolina. 

Specific provisions in this bill include:

  • $69.5 million for hurricane and storm damage reduction for Dare County Beaches. 
  • $3 million for a pilot program to grant ACOE emergency authority in Eastern North Carolina to protect, clear, and restore channel dimensions.  This includes removing accumulated snags and debris in the following river systems after a major disaster: New River, White Oak River, Neuse River, Pamlico River and their tributaries.
“I am a strong supporter of beach nourishment, not just for the 3 million tourists who visit our shores every year, but also for the storm protection of our homes and infrastructure,” Jones continued. “I am hopeful that a new Administration will support such a sound program to protect both our communities and precious natural resources.  Rest assured that I will continue to support shore protection and other initiatives along the North Carolina coast.  It is essential that we protect the entire coast for the inhabitants and visitors both today and  for future generations.”
 
 
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