Congressman Bob Goodlatte has announced that the House of Representatives approved .075 million for the flood control project on the Roanoke River. The funding was included in the FY 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Act.
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 that will 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 this critical legislation is another huge victory for Roanoke. 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 Act of 2010 will now be referred to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.
