WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted 320 to 97 to approve H.R. 3183 – The Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill includes funding requested by Congressman Walter B. Jones for two Army Corps of Engineers dredging projects in Carteret County that were left out of President Barack Obama’s 2010 budget: Bogue Inlet and Beaufort Harbor. Three hundred thousand dollars was added for Bogue Inlet, and $250,000 for Beaufort Harbor. The bill also included $9.5 million for maintenance dredging of Morehead City Harbor. H.R. 3183 now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

“I thank the House Energy and Water Subcommittee Ranking Member Rodney Frelinghuysen and Chairman Ed Pastor for working with me to add funding for these critical navigation projects,” Congressman Jones said.

“While the total amount of funding allocated by the FY10 Energy and Water Appropriations bill is not reflective of the actual needs of Eastern North Carolina, I am pleased that funding for dredging Bogue Inlet, Beaufort Harbor, and Morehead City Harbor has been approved by the House. The ability of boaters and port users to safely navigate these channels is a key part of the Crystal Coast economy, and this funding will help ensure these waterways stay open,” Jones said.

For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones, please contact Kathleen Joyce at (202) 225-3415.