U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced today that the House of Representatives approved $8.9 million in flood control improvements throughout southern and eastern Kentucky. The federal government’s 2008 funding bill also passed the Senate and will go on to the President who is expected to sign it into law.

“Our region knows all to well the devastation caused by flash floods and high waters,” said Rogers. “Not only do these projects save lives, but these investments boost economic development and pay for themselves many times over – commercial and residential development occurs in areas free from flooding, where businesses and homeowners can go about their activities without worrying about the destruction of their property.”

A wide-array of measures to eliminate or reduce the effects of flooding spanning southern and eastern Kentucky will receive funds to launch or continue existing efforts. These include engineering modifications to waterways and structures, replacing existing infrastructure, preserving flood-prone towns, and continued flood protection planning.

Through this legislation, the following projects will be funded:

Harlan, Martin, Floyd, and Pike counties - $4.9 million: This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sponsored flood control initiative, along the Levisa and Tug Forks and Upper Cumberland River, includes structural changes to waterways, relocating homes and businesses and flood-proofing existing buildings. Project planning will also continue for Floyd County including Prestonsburg.

City of Cumberland, Harlan County - $2.65 million: Consistently flooded out during high rains and flash floods preventing safe passage, this funding will initiate construction of the Billips Avenue Bridge and continue project planning, land acquisition and design for the Bridge Street Bridge.

Floyd County, Town of Martin - $1.35 million: Work will continue to relocate the Town of Martin. Key government buildings and other structures will be relocating to higher ground.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the fifth Congressional district.