“This funding will help provide for projects essential to our coastal communities,” Jones said.  “I am pleased that at my urging, the House and Senate conferees recognized the importance of these projects to Eastern North Carolina and saw fit to include them in the bill.  This was a high priority for the district and I am very satisfied that we were able to secure the money.”

The Conference report to H.R. 4733 appropriates $4.5 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, $399 million more than the House-passed bill and $459 million more than the Clinton-Gore Administration requested, to maintain and expand the nation’s waterways, flood control, and irrigation infrastructure. The funding included $300,000 for the Dare County Beaches, $250,000 more than the President requested.

Jones was successful in obtaining full or additional funding for all of his requests made. The following funding was included: 

        $250,000 for the First Phase of the Bogue Banks  Beach Re-nourishment Project

        $500,000 for the First Phase of the Highway 12 Project in Dare County

        $100,000 for a Continuing Salinity Study for  Currituck Sound

        $250,000 for a Continuing Navigational Plan for Manteo (Shallowbag) Bay

        $4.7 million for Operations and Maintenance of Morehead City Harbor

        $330,000 for a General Reevaluation Report of West Onslow Beach and New River Inlet

“The Committee faced massive budget constraints in the Corps of Engineers’ budget this year and vowed not to provide funds for any projects not currently underway or that could not be accomplished in one year,” Jones said. “By including funding for these projects, the Committee sent a clear signal that our North Carolina coastal issues are a top priority.” 

The Energy and Water Conference Report was passed in the House by a vote of 301-118.