Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-NJ-8) announced that the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water has appropriated a $100,000 earmark to continue to study the devastating effects of the flooding of the Peckman River from Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

"In 1999, after Hurricane Floyd, I witnessed firsthand the suffering and heartache of so many families as a result of the horrible flooding that took place.  Since that day I have been determined to do all I can to prevent future flooding along the Peckman River.  I am pleased Congress agreed with me on the importance of this project.  It continues to be one of my top priorities," stated Pascrell.

The Army Corps of Engineers study consists of three different phases, Reconnaissance, Feasibility and Design.  Currently, the Corps is continuing to work on the Reconnaissance phase of the project.  Initial findings from the Reconnaissance study, released this fall, showed significant work was needed to mitigate the extensive flooding problem.  The opportunity to restore the fish and wildlife ecosystem, while solving the flood problem was also stated to have "federal interest" in the Corps report.

Because the problem was so extensive, further federal funding was required.  The Army Corps of Engineers agreed to initially fund the study through its "small projects" programs to get a "jump-start" on the overall process.  However, as the larger scope of the problem became more evident it required larger funding than what was included in the Corps annual budget that was severely cut.  Today's appropriation removes fears that there would be a six-month funding gap between the Reconnaissance and Feasibility stages of the project.

With the Congressional funding secured by Pascrell the project can continue without hesitation and will be considered by lawmakers as a "continuing project" meaning it has a greater chance of receiving further funding in the future. 

###