Date: 2004-06-25
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. I want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman HOBSON) and the gentleman from Indiana . the ranking minority member. for the leadership they have provided in putting together this legislation to fund important programs like the Army Corps of Engineers. Dallas Floodway Extension and for continued work on a study of flood control on the Upper Trinity. I support the fiscal year 2005 Energy and Water development appropriation measure. Mr. Chairman. in -1998. the voters of Dallas approved the largest bond issue in the Citys history. $246 million. to make improvements to the Trinity River Corridor. There are many aspects to these projects. including transportation. recreation. and economic development. But at its heart. the Trinity River Corridor is about flood control. It is about protecting homes. businesses. people. and property. The flood control protection currently afforded to the City and its residents is simply no longer adequate. Urban development and growth patterns have occurred that require improvements and extensions to the existing flood control system. These improvements and extensions must be designed. engineered. and constructed in a manner that will not only improve flood control protection for the City and its residents. but will do so in a manner that is sensitive to our other needs. We must improve flood protection. but we need to be certain- that such flood protection infrastructure also enhances our quality of life. The legislation before us includes funding to help assure that the quality of life of the people of Dallas. and our economic vitality. are indeed improved. This legislation includes $10 million for the construction of the Dallas Floodway Extension. This will consist of a chain of flood conveyance wetlands and a system 6f protective levees that will enhance the security of 12.500 structures in the Dallas area. While I recognize the difficult constraints the Committee worked under in developing this legislation. and appreciate the funding included. I also know it is imperative to the public health and safety of the people of Dallas that this project proceed as quickly as possible. With that in mind. I do wish to note that it will be my intent to try and secure a total of $20 million for this project. an amount consistent with the capability that the Corps has expressed for 2005. This legislation contains $1.3 million for continued work on a study of flood control on the Upper Trinity as well as additional flood control improvements to the existing Dallas Floodway. This is such an exciting project that should include the development of two flood conveyance lakes within the floodway. along with new wetlands. river meandering. and boardwalks that will serve to unite the City and bring families to the levees. which currently have the impact of. literally dividing our communities. Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the bipartisan effort that went into the drafting of this legislation. commend that effort as a model for the way in which this Chamber ought to routinely work. and urge the support of all our colleagues for passage of H.R. 4614.