U.S. House approves Great Lakes funds

U.S. House approves Great Lakes funds    The U.S. House of Representatives has approved increased funding in the fiscal year 2008 energy and water appropriations bill to help the Great Lakes overcome its dredging crisis that causes most ships navigating the system to carry light loads.
   The energy and water appropriations bill includes three financial initiatives:
   * $126.9 million for dredging to be performed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
   * $2 million to help the Army Corps of Engineers design a second large lock at Sault St. Marie.
   * $800,000 to complete the U.S.-Canadian Great Lakes Navigation System Study to identify the environmental and navigational needs of the entire system.
   “The Great Lakes maritime industry contributes greatly to our economy and is a vital source of good-paying jobs for the region,” said Congressman Dave Obey, D-Wis., Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. “Yet the Great Lakes have experienced decades of inadequate federal investment, which has reduced the efficiency and productivity of that industry and left us facing the growing likelihood of a disruption to our region’s economy.
   “We can’t reverse the chronic underfunding of the Great Lakes in one year, but we can make a start,” Obey said.
   The bill must still be approved by the Senate and signed by the president before it becomes law.