Amendment could dig up dredge funds

Amendment could dig up dredge funds    Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., said an amendment he introduced for the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill would increase funding of the Army Corps of Engineers Operations and Maintenance account for fiscal year 2012 dredging activities. His office said the amendment passed by a vote of 241 to 168.
   The Big River Coalition, which represents shippers and shipping interests using the Mississippi River, said the amendment could “potentially add $6.36 million to the Corps’ New Orleans District Operation and Maintenance budget for fiscal year 2012.”
   'A failure to adequately dredge our rivers will lead to harmful draft restrictions, which we've already seen on the Lower Mississippi River, and will cause unnecessary economic harm and schedule disruptions for businesses throughout the country,” Scalise said.
   The Hill newspaper said the House adjourned at 9:24 p.m. Monday night after debating several amendments to the bill and is expected to hold votes on those amendments Tuesday.