July 17, 2009
“Our economic recovery depends on making smart, targeted investments like those in this energy and water infrastructure bill,” said Congresswoman Lee. “This bill will spur innovation and in turn boost job creation and provide real solutions to our energy and water quality needs with investments in new technologies, scientific research and conservation efforts."
Barbara Lee Supports Energy and Water Appropriations Bill
For Immediate Release
July 17, 2009
Contact: Nicole Y. Williams
(202) 225-2661
Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) voted in support of the Energy and Water Appropriations Act which seeks to build upon the investments in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to move toward American energy independence and rebuild our infrastructure.
“Our economic recovery depends on making smart, targeted investments like those in this energy and water infrastructure bill,” said Congresswoman Lee. “This bill will spur innovation and in turn boost job creation and provide real solutions to our energy and water quality needs with investments in new technologies, scientific research and conservation efforts."
The Energy and Water Appropriations Act invests in new technologies that will create the next generation of vehicles with improved fuel efficiency, better and cleaner engines and better batteries. It also helps modernize our electric grid by investing in “smart grid” technology that will ensure efficient and reliable delivery of electricity to American homes and businesses.
The bill increases funds for weatherization grants to help struggling families improve their homes’ energy efficiency and save hundreds of dollars annually in electricity and heating costs. It also invests in the water infrastructure needs of our communities to improve water quality and spur economic development after years of neglect. Additionally, the legislation makes significant cuts in funding for new nuclear weapons and instead shifts the focus to securing existing nuclear stockpiles.
The 9th Congressional District of California stands to receive $11 million in federal funding through this legislation, including:
- Port of Oakland – $1,000,000 for Oakland Harbor, CA: This funding will be used for continuation and completion of the Port of Oakland -50 foot channel deepening project. The project will deepen the federal channels of the Oakland Harbor and Port-maintained berths to a depth of -50 feet below mean lower low water (MLLW) in order to accommodate the latest generation of deep-draft container vessels.
Port of Oakland - $10,000,000 for operations and maintenance dredging of the federal channels at the Oakland Harbor, CA: Annual dredging of the federal channel at the Port of Oakland is required to maintain the Port's authorized depth. The requested funds will cover the costs of maintaining the channels, together with other maintenance projects in the Oakland Harbor, including Coast Guard Island, Nelson Marine and Fruitvale Bridge.
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