Waterways Council commends House emergency spending authorization

Waterways Council commends House emergency spending authorization

   Waterways Council Inc., a public policy organization supporting the development and maintenance of the nation’s ports and inland waterways, said Thursday it is grateful for House approval of emergency spending funds legislation for the Army Corps of Engineers.

   The emergency spending measure would provide $400 million for the Corps of Engineers to help restore damage along the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Katrina.

   The council “commends the House for their quick action to appropriate funds to continue the important work of the Corps to help pump water out of the city of New Orleans, and to improve navigation conditions throughout the Gulf Coast region,” said WCI president R. Barry Palmer. “Our hearts are heavy for the victims of this disaster, but this funding will help move the process further toward recovery and that is a very positive development.”

   The Senate is expected to pass similar legislation Friday.