For Immediate Release Contact: Kimberly Hunter (Webb) – 202-228-5258
Friday, July 31, 2009 Kevin Hall (Warner) 202-224-2425
WEBB AND WARNER SECURE $2.9 MILLION FOR WATER PROJECTS IN RICHMOND
Projects Improve Clean Water, Traffic Congestion
Senators Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner today announced that $2.9 million in funding was secured for three water and energy projects in the Richmond area. The funds were included in the FY2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, passed in the Senate on Wednesday night, which provides funding for the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior, and economic development projects.
The projects will encourage economic development, improve intercoastal transportation, and increase access to clean water in Richmond. Projects include construction of a deepwater turning basin in the James River, initial steps toward dredging portions of the Appomattox River, and completion of an engineering design for upgrades to the Richmond Wastewater Treatment Facility.
“I’m pleased that Congress has recognized the importance of funding these vital water projects to improve the quality of life of Richmond residents and spur economic development in the area,” said Senator Webb. “The FY2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act will allocate more than $32 million to Virginia to make waterways more efficient, implement restoration and conservation measures, and increase economic growth throughout the Commonwealth.”
“These investments are significant steps toward improving and enhancing the Richmond area’s waterways, expanding the capabilities of our ports and upgrading Richmond’s wastewater treatment capacity,” said Senator Warner. “Overall, the investments in this bill will help fund several key projects across Virginia designed to improve infrastructure and protect the environment.”
Below is the list of projects secured in the Richmond area:
James River Deepwater Turning Basin; Richmond, VA; $2,234,000
Funds will go toward construction of the James River Deepwater Terminal Turning Basin, to provide a safe turning radius in the James River and an alternate port supporting the Port of Hampton Roads for national defense.
Appomattox River; Appomattox River (Petersburg & Hopewell), VA; $500,000
Funds will be used to finalize the supplemental environmental assessment, finalize engineering, obtain environmental permits, and coordinate with the stakeholders and interested parties to ensure readiness of the project when dredging funds are appropriated.
Richmond Wastewater Treatment Facility Disinfection Project; Richmond, VA; $150,000
Funds will be used to complete a preliminary engineering report and 100% design for a construction project that upgrades primary treatment facilities to provide reliable treatment up to 140 million gallons per day of wet weather flow. The Funds will be used to upgrade solids handling facilities to handle increased solids loading associated with the increased combined sewer wet weather flow treatment.
