The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation today that includes half a million in federal funds for remediation measures at Assunpink Creek—funds that U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) actively worked to secure.

    $500,000 for the project was included in the FY08 Energy and Water Appropriations bill (H.R. 2641) with the help of an appropriations request for the project made by Smith. H.R. 2641 passed the House by a vote of 312-112.

    “Over the past several years, Trenton has been hit hard by severe storms that have caused excessive damage due to repeated flooding. I am hopeful that additional stream bank protection will help mitigate potential damage along Assunpink Creek,” said Rep. Smith who noted that the funding must still be approved by the Senate.

    The funding will go to the Army Corps of Engineers–Philadelphia District to continue their work at Assunpink Creek. The project will help reduce flooding through restoration and stabilization of creek banks and riparian habitat. The project sites are located in several areas along the 3-mile stretch of the Assunpink Creek, which includes the City of Trenton’s Assunpink Creek Park.

    Smith said that when passed by the Senate and signed into law, this earmark will bring recent federal funding for the Assunpink Creek remediation project to nearly $1 million. Smith also noted that in 2003, $454,000 in federal funding was granted to help businesses recover property damages caused by flooding of the Assunpink Creek.

    “The Assunpink Creek restoration project is vital in ensuring the health and safety of the environment. Ecosystem management—especially restoration of natural, proper water flow—is imperative to protecting this valuable tributary to the Delaware River. Passage of the bill today puts us one step closer to completing this vital project,” Smith said.

    Smith added, “I am committed to the Assunpink Creek restoration project and will continue to work to target federal funds for this project, as well as for the businesses and property owners who have been negatively impacted by the flooding.”