Breaking News -- McConnell-Reid Deal Includes $2 Billion Earmark for Kentucky Project for McConnell...
By PHILLIP M. BAILEY (WFPL) – A proposal to end the government shutdown and avoid default orchestrated by Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic Leader Harry Reid includes a $2 billion earmark for a Kentucky project.
Language in a draft of the McConnell-Reid deal (see page 13, section 123) provided to WFPL News shows a provision that increases funding for the massive Olmsted Dam Lock in Louisvillefrom $775 million to nearly $2. 9 billion.
The dam is considered an important project for the state and region in regards to water traffic along the Ohio River.
As The Courier-Journal‘s James Bruggers reported in 2011, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said they needed about $2.1 billion for the locks due to “stop and go funding.”
Asked about the additional funding in the proposal, McConnell spokesman Robert Steurer directed all questions to lawmakers who worked on the bill directly.
“Senators (Diane) Feinstein and (Lamar) Alexander, the chair and ranking member of the energy and water subcommittee, worked on the issue and can help you,” he says.
McConnell has been a longstanding supporter of the project, and has been working on getting its funding for some time.
Watch:
Still, conservative critics of the proposal to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling argue this is nothing more than a “kickback” for McConnell in an age where Tea Parties have eschewed earmarks.
The Olmsted Dam sees nearly 90 billion tons of materials such as coal, petroleum and other goods move through that stretch of the Ohio River annually.
UPDATE 7:30 p.m.:
A statement from Sen. Alexander’s office to BuzzFeed says the language was added to prevent funding from being canceled.
“According to the Army Corps of Engineers, 160 million taxpayer dollars will be wasted because of canceled contracts if this language is not included. Sen. [Diane] Feinstein and I, as chairman and ranking member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, requested this provision. It has already been approved this year by the House and Senate.”
Source: http://www.redflagnews.com/headlines/breaking-news-mcconnell-reid-deal-includes-2-billion-earmark-for-kentucky-project-for-mcconnell
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).
http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN2/
Look at the picture and you can understand why some idioms are true. “Birds of a feather flock together.”
I was only looking at the first two in the photo. Looking again I see Boehner in the background. My comment stands.
Greedy, cold blooded Traitor. No wonder the crap eating grin. I wonder how many millions will end up allocated to a personal offshore account.