IDAHO WATER PROJECTS PASS SENATE COMMITTEE

Washington, DC â?? Federal approval for a number of Idaho water projects, which were included in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) last year that was not passed by Congress prior to adjournment, have been included again this year. WRDA authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers planning, construction and operation activities of water resources facilities. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, who included the projects in the WRDA bill, expects the legislation to pass the full Senate this year. The authorization now goes to the full Senate. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee last year, Crapo assisted in the authorizing of projects for: · Gooding area: Stabilization of the Little Wood River banks which are deteriorating.· Orofino area: Improving recreation facilities at Dworshak Reservoir, including houseboat moorage and boat ramp extensions.· Lewiston area: Increasing the potential for recreational boating and commercial leasing in and around the Port of Lewiston which could also bring new tenants and revenue to the port. The Committee also approved language backed by Crapo that would provide greater flexibility for the operation of federal hopper dredges needed for maintaining Northwest waterways in good working condition and enabling the shipment of Idaho commodities. â??Federal partnership is a key part of these locally-driven projects,â?? Crapo said. â??I applaud the collaborative efforts of Idaho communities and the Corps of Engineers to address several important flood control, recreation and environmental needs. To directly link to this news release, please use the following address: http://crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/release_full.cfm?id=236535