WASHINGTON — Senator Chuck Grassley today said that several projects for Iowa have been included in the subcommittee appropriations bill for the Interior and related agencies. The full committee is expected to consider the bill yet this week.
“These projects directly relate to the quality of life for Iowans. Improving storm and sewer systems has a tremendous number of environmental benefits as well as ensuring a safe water supply and enhancing economic development,” Grassley said.
The bill will now move for consideration by the full Appropriations Committee. Following full committee approval, it must be passed by the Senate. It will then be reconciled with the bill from the House of Representatives. Grassley said he will continue to work with Senate appropriators throughout the process to see that funding for these projects are included in the final version of the bill.
Here are some of the projects forwarded by Grassley that were included in the subcommittee bill. A complete list of Iowa projects will be posted on Grassley’s website, http://grassley.senate.gov.
Boone, $300,000
, for sanitary trunk sewer replacement – Federal funding will enable Boone to complete the final phase of this project, bringing the city into compliance with an order by the Department of Natural Resources and provide critical infrastructure improvements.
Clinton, $300,000
, for wastewater treatment plant improvements – This project will result in an upgraded wastewater treatment facility that will protect Mississippi River aquatic life, improve public health by reducing disease-causing bacteria, improve drinking water source for the Iowa Quad Cities, maintain economic competitiveness for business retention and recruitment, and reduce wastewater rate increases on low- to moderate- income households.
Keokuk, $300,000
, for a storm water and sewer separation project – The Environmental Protection Agency has been directed to separate Combined Sewer Overflows and establish a multi-year plan for construction of separate and new sanitary and storm sewers. Removal of these combined brick masonry sewers constructed in the mid-1800s would reduce the e-coli, fecal, and other biological materials from the Mississippi River.
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