미국 하원에서 양당의 2015년 국가 재정 에너지 및 물 책정 법안이 압도적으로 통과됐다고 발표했다. 340억 달러의 책정 법안은 홍수 피해 관리, 항해, 기반 시설, 환경 관리 프로젝트를 담당하고 있는 미 육군 공병단의 증가된 예산을 포함하고 있다.

하원 의원은 " 한달 동안 미 육군 공병단을 위한 예산을 더 많이 책정하기 위해 끝까지 싸웠다"며 " 미 육군 공병단은 만의 환경 개선 사업, 홍수 통제 관리 등 많은 업무를 수행하는 중요한 곳"이라고 강조했다.

The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2015 Energy and Water Appropriations bill with strong support in a vote of 253-170. The $34 billion appropriations bill includes a significant budget increase for the Army Corps of Engineers, an agency responsible for civil works projects including flood risk management, navigation, recreation, infrastructure and environmental stewardship. Rep. Gene Green released the following statement:

“For months now, we’ve fought to secure more funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, leading a letter to President Obama requesting additional funding in his budget, and supporting the amendment that added $57 million for the Corps through the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Back home, the Army Corps does important work dredging the Port of Houston and the Houston Ship Channel, undertaking environmental remediation in the bay, managing flood control throughout our bayou system, and much more.”

“Over the past few years however, the Army Corps has faced a backlog of projects due to increasing budget pressures. The fact is we can’t afford a backlog, the Port of Houston, one of the biggest ports in the nation, generates enormous revenue through imports and exports, and supports thousands of jobs. The Houston bayou system saves taxpayers millions through flood mitigation and management. Unfortunately, the needs of these areas haven’t been met in a timely fashion. We’re pleased that the House voted to pass a bill that supports funding for these important projects."

[출처 = Water & Waste Digest / 2014년 7월 14일]