Jim Ryun: “I am mindful of the limitations that the Appropriations Committee is under when funding project requests for the Army…”

“I am mindful of the limitations that the Appropriations Committee is under when funding project requests for the Army Corps of Engineers. I am also aware, however, that the committee works closely with the Corps in this process, and that funding decisions are based largely on the priorities put forward by the Corps. With this in mind, I am very disappointed that the Energy and Water Appropriations bill that we approved today did not contain funding for the cleanup of a logjam on Jacobs Creek in my district in Coffey County, Kansas. I am disappointed because I have made it abundantly clear to the Corps on numerous occasions that I hear more from constituents about this project than any other Corps project in my district. Further, I have asked the Corps to make it one of their highest priorities when it comes to funds spent in my district. This logjam began in 1973, but has only in recent years escalated to such a problematic level. Currently, the logjam covers an expanse of more than two miles. Along this stretch, boat docks are useless and garbage is trapped in the sediment. The clog poses not only a health and safety hazard to area residents, but it also threatens the economic viability of the region. If the Corps had given this request the priority it deserved, it would have received funding. The absence of funding for this project in the bill leads me to conclude that the Corps has once again looked the other way.…”