Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Texas) today released the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee approved a balanced and responsible energy and water spending bill.

The bipartisan bill provides badly needed investments in Army Corps of Engineers’ water infrastructure and flood-control projects like the Trinity River Vision project in Fort Worth.

“The Trinity River Vision project will improve the quality of life and livability of Fort Worth by addressing the area’s chronic flooding problems,” said Granger, who voted for the energy and water bill as a member of the full Appropriations Committee. “I have long been a supporter of the Trinity River project and I am proud that this bill will help advance it.”

The transformational Trinity River Vision project will improve flood protection along 88 miles of the river and eliminate the need for the existing levee system in the center of Fort Worth, opening up the riverbank area for recreation and urban revitalization.

The bill provides the Army Corps of Engineers nearly $6.2 billion for fiscal year 2018, an increase of $120 million above the current funding level and $1.2 billion above the President’s budget request.

“This bill is good for Fort Worth and good for the country,” Granger said. “We need to improve flood control along our river area and open up the area to recreation and economic development for the benefit of the whole community.”

The bill is now ready for consideration by the full House.