Political Quotes

“I'm excited to rise in strong support for the Water Resources Development Act today. Three words can sum up my thoughts--finally, finally, finally! This Water Resources bill contains a reauthorization for the Wood River/Warm Slough flood control project in Grand Island, Nebraska. The residents of Grand Island and I have been working on reauthorization and waiting for an opportunity to move it since 1997. Their patience has been tested, but I'm pleased I'm going to be able to report good news today. Construction of the Wood River project was originally authorized in the 1996 Water Resources Development Act. Soon after the initial authorization, the Army Corps of Engineers had to revise its cost estimates for the project. The revision increased the cost by more than 20 percent, thus requiring congressional review and reauthorization. The project eventually will provide flood protection for more than 1,700 structures in Grand Island and protect 5,000 acres of irrigated cropland. The project also will enhance wildlife habitat for many species, including the endangered Whooping Crane, and provide opportunities for wetlands development. This is a good project that deserves our support. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Transportation Committee for expeditiously moving this bill this spring. And thank you very, very much for your work on behalf of the residents of Grand Island, Nebraska.”