SHAHEEN AND GREGG ANNOUNCE SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE SUPPORT FOR FINAL PHASE OF COCHECO RIVER DREDGING PROJECT
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Judd Gregg (R-NH) today announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $2 million for the Cocheco River dredging project. These funds will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to complete a third and final season of dredging in the Cocheco River which is critical to the City of Dover and its neighboring communities. This dredging will improve navigational safety of the River and provide an important link between Dover's downtown area and other deepwater ports in New Hampshire's Seacoast area. Completion of this project is a key part of the City's plans to revitalize the downtown riverfront area.
These funds were included in the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which is now ready for consideration by the full Senate. Funding for this project is included within the Committee allocation set out for Fiscal Year 2010 spending measures.
Senator Shaheen stated, "Economic growth for Dover and the surrounding communities depends on sustainable river use, and I am very pleased that Seacoast residents will soon realize the full benefits of completing this important project. The dredging of the Cochoco River has been an ongoing effort for several years, and I want to congratulate everyone who has worked on and supported this project as the final phase of the project moves forward."
Senator Gregg, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who previously secured more than $7 million for the first two phases of this project, stated, "The City of Dover, its residents, and neighboring communities in the Seacoast will benefit greatly from the completion of the Cocheco River dredging. This project has been a priority for the local community for several years, and I am pleased my colleagues on the Senate Appropriations Committee have recognized the tremendous impact that future development along the River will have once the dredging is complete. This project is an important step in the revitalization of Dover's downtown area, and it will serve as an economic boost for the City and the entire region."
Scott Myers, Mayor of Dover, stated, "I appreciate the efforts of Senators Gregg and Shaheen in having $2 million placed in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill for the completion of the Cocheco River dredge project. If approved by the full Senate at this amount, this will be the final piece of funding needed in order to complete this project, which has been ongoing for several years. Improved access to the Cocheco River, additional recreational opportunities and enhanced navigational safety will be the end result. My thanks go to both Senators for their work on behalf of the residents of Dover, and the region."
Dean Peschel, Manager of Environmental Projects in Dover, stated, "We are extremely pleased and grateful to Senators Gregg and Shaheen for their hard work, and we are looking forward to completing this project. I believe everyone will be thrilled with the final outcome of this project. This is truly good news as we have worked a long time and have seen ups and downs due to problems with dredging in the winter months. It will be great to achieve success on this project and we couldn't have done it without everyone coming together and the leadership of Senators Gregg and Shaheen."
