GOODLATTE ANNOUNCES $1.016 MILLION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROANOKE FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT | Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Representing the 6th District of Virginia

CONTACT: KATHRYN REXRODE

GOODLATTE ANNOUNCES $1.016 MILLION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROANOKE FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT

October 5, 2009 4:50 PM

Washington, DC - Congressman Bob Goodlatte today announced that the House of Representatives approved $1.016 million for the flood control project on the Roanoke River.  The funding was included in the FY 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Conference Report.

The Roanoke Flood Control Project, an undertaking of the Army Corps of Engineers, includes about 6.2 miles of channel widening along the 10-mile project reach through the City of Roanoke and will include construction of a recreational and environmentally beneficial greenway along the entire length of the Roanoke River through the City of Roanoke. 

“The House passage of the Energy and Water Appropriations Conference Report demonstrates the Congress’ continued commitment to this Roanoke River Flood Control project.  Pending Senate approval, the funding included in the FY 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Act brings the total to over $35 million that the Congress has appropriated for the flood control project thus far,” Goodlatte said.

The flood-control project will be built in several phases.  The first phase which has been completed runs from the regional sewage treatment plant in Southeast Roanoke and up the river toward Wasena Park.  A ground breaking ceremony for this phase was held in October 2005 at the 9th Street Bridge located in Southeast Roanoke.  The remaining phase will run from Wasena Park to the Salem City line.

Goodlatte continued, “Numerous times in our city’s history the River has spilled over her banks destroying property and sometimes taking lives.  This comprehensive flood control plan will ultimately protect lives and property and this funding will ensure the project continues moving forward.” 

The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Conference Report, which Congressman Goodlatte voted against due to the $33.5 billion overall increase in spending between this bill and the stimulus, will be referred to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.  Upon Senate passage it will be sent to President Obama to be signed into law.