SE Kentucky News

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the fiscal year 2024 Energy and Water House Appropriations Bill, which allocates nearly $58 billion to enhance national security, energy security, and economic competitiveness. The bill, which received bipartisan support, offsets $5.58 billion by reclaiming wasteful spending by the Democrats over the past two years.

One of the key provisions of the bill is funding for flood control measures along the Kentucky River in Eastern Kentucky. U.S. Representative Harold "Hal" Rogers, who voted in favor of the bill, highlighted the importance of this funding, particularly in light of the devastating floods that have affected the region in recent years. Congressman Rogers stated, "This bill not only provides funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study potential flood control solutions along the Kentucky River, but also directs the Corps to do so in an expeditious manner. To put it plainly, we cannot afford to drag our feet on this important cause."

The bill also includes significant funding for the Appalachian region. This includes $200 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission, with $10 million specifically allocated for Congressman Rogers' Appalachian Broadband Initiative. Additionally, $16 million will go towards infrastructure improvements in Central Appalachian, and $65 million will support the POWER initiative. Congressman Rogers emphasized the positive impact of the Appalachian Regional Commission, stating, "The Appalachian Regional Commission has helped countless communities in Kentucky's Appalachian region revitalize in the wake of the downturn of the coal industry, by supporting workforce development, combating the region's opioid crisis, helping repair our aging infrastructure, expanding rural broadband, and much more. This funding is a godsend for our rural communities, and after last year's flooding, it's needed now more than ever."

The bill also addresses specific funding priorities for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Congressman Rogers successfully secured provisions that prevent a water-supply reallocation study for Lake Cumberland, which would have led to fees for accessing the lake for municipal water supply. Additionally, the bill includes nearly $3 million for the Army Corps to continue operations at Fishtrap Lake in Pike County.

In addition to these specific provisions, the bill provides funding for various critical programs across the country. This includes $132.8 million for rural water projects, $344 million for state and community energy programs such as weatherization assistance, and investments in important energy security development.

The bill will now proceed to the U.S. Senate for consideration. It is expected that the Senate will review and potentially make amendments to the bill before it can be signed into law.

For more information about Congressman Rogers' work and updates on this bill, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.

Click here to read H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

To find out more, go to this link: https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8A0C1187-815D-4C28-9DCC-78F78FC0CABF