Visclosky, who is the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, says these investments in environmental, flood control, and infrastructure projects will have a lasting positive impact on the quality of life for everyone in Northwest Indiana.

“The funding for these projects provides a foundation for attracting new economic development and new good-paying jobs to Northwest Indiana,” said Visclosky. “In order to keep and attract people to live, work and operate businesses in Northwest Indiana, we must have flood control infrastructure in place, along with clean bodies of water that will support the area’s economy.”

The funding for these projects comes from the FY 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which was passed by the House today.  The funding will be made available once the legislation is signed into law by the President.

Environmental Infrastructure

The Indiana Harbor in East Chicago will also receive $18.07 million to continue construction of a Confined Disposal Facility (CDF). In May of 2005, Visclosky announced that the federal government will pay the full amount for the CDF, relieving East Chicago taxpayers of the $40 million local expense.  Specifically, this funding will go towards a continuation of the air monitoring program, operation of the groundwater treatment plant, and construction activities for the facility.

“The full federal funding of this project makes it possible to complete the project sooner, save local taxpayer dollars, and ensure the health and safety of the people of Northwest Indiana,” said Visclosky.

The Indiana Harbor will also receive $760,000. This funding will support operations, condition surveys, and support of the CDF administration.

The legislation also includes $910,000 for the Grand Calumet River. The funding will complete the feasibility phase studying water quality and aquatic improvements.

Visclosky secured $5.48 million for operations and maintenance at the Burns Waterway Harbor International Port. This funding will allow for navigation dredging in critical areas within the harbor, complete repairs to the North Breakwater deferred from previous year, and complete condition surveys of channel, underwater reef and breakwater. To date, including this funding, Visclosky has secured $33.2 million for this project. 

The Burns Waterway Small Boat Harbor will also receive $60,000 for operations and maintenance.

Flood Control and Water Resources

            In the legislation, Visclosky secured $15 million for the Little Calumet River flood control project, which includes 22 miles of levees and flood walls to protect the citizens and businesses of Gary, Griffith, Hammond, Highland and Munster.  According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flooding on the Little Calumet River creates $11 million in damages annually. This project will help protect citizens and property for years to come, preserve 550 acres of wetlands, and create 17 miles of hiking trails. Including the funding in this legislation, Visclosky has helped to secure $134.2 million to date for the Little Calumet Flood Control project.

            “To protect people’s homes, businesses, and well-being, this flood-control project cannot be completed soon enough,” said Visclosky.

A project to restore Cedar Lake’s water quality and ecosystem will receive $4.4 million under the legislation.  Currently, Cedar Lake’s degraded water quality has significantly decreased the aquatic ecosystems of the lake. Funding for the project will address dredging, erosion control, and the recreational capabilities of Cedar Lake.

Congressman Visclosky also secured $1 million to fund operations at the Indiana Shoreline Erosion Project along the Indiana Dunes.  For many years, the natural movement of sand along the lakeshore has been interrupted by harbor structures, causing accelerated erosion of the beach and dunes.  The continuation of this project is necessary to slow the erosion and reverse its effects to protect the beaches for future generations.

            In addition to these water projects in the FY 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, the bill includes $17 million in energy-related initiatives for Northwest Indiana, which Congressman Visclosky previously announced.