WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Mike Rogers said today he was delighted that President Bush included in this year’s White House budget blueprint $26 million for the construction of a much-needed industrial water treatment facility at the Anniston Army Depot.

Rogers said while the budget is only a proposal and will be subject to close Congressional scrutiny in times of tight budgets, today’s announcement was certainly a positive development for the project, which if approved later this year will help strengthen the Depot’s long-term future.

“I applaud President Bush for including funding for this critical facility in the budget, and am delighted he recognizes the importance of this project for long-term growth of the Anniston Army Depot,” Rogers said.

Rogers says securing funding for the facility has been among his top priorities for 2007. In October of 2006, House Armed Services Ranking Member Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA) visited the Anniston Army Depot, where Rogers and other local officials helped demonstrate the need for the industrial water treatment facility.

Rogers said he has been more encouraged about the prospects for securing funding for the facility recently, and said the inclusion of the project in the Bush budget proposal is a very good first step.

Rogers said he looked forward to working with his colleagues in the House, and with Senators Shelby and Sessions in the Senate this year to help secure funding for the initiative. “I hope Congress will follow the President’s lead and include funding for this facility, as well as critical investments for all of the Third District’s major military installations, later in the year when the final spending bills are passed,” Rogers added.

Rogers serves on the Armed Services Committee in Congress, as well as on the Homeland Security Committee and the Committee on Agriculture.

                                                                            - ### -