John J. Faso: “I thank Chairman Simpson for yielding the time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3219, the Defense…”

“I thank Chairman Simpson for yielding the time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3219, the Defense, Military Construction, Veteran Affairs, Legislative Branch, and Energy and Water Development National Security Appropriations Act. Specifically, I would like to discuss division D of the bill, which appropriates additional funding to the Army Corps of Engineers. This bill allocates $289.5 million to fund projects and activities to enhance the Nation's economic growth. The Whaley Lake Dam, located in my district in Pawling, New York, Dutchess County, will be eligible to compete for these funds, and is authorized pursuant to section 5003 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. Originally built in the mid-1800s, the Whaley Lake Dam is in critical need of repair. The outlet of the dam feeds a stream necessary to the movement of treated wastewater from multiple municipal water treatment facilities. Additionally, the town of Pawling is the home to nearly 9,000 residents, including 500 homes located on Whaley Lake specifically. Mr. Chairman, could the chairman please confirm that the Whaley Lake Dam project could compete for funding included in the bill?”