On Wednesday evening, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) supported the Fiscal Year 2023 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill during its consideration by the full House Appropriations Committee.
“The bill we advanced takes concrete steps to promote the well-being of Middle and Southwest Georgia. The programs it funds will restore natural resources, improve drinking water quality, and support important landmarks like the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, and the Andersonville National Historic Site,” said Congressman Bishop. “I also worked to include funding for the cities of Colquitt and Leesburg that will provide clean drinking water and improve wastewater treatment. Not only will it help maintain a good quality of life, it will give these cities an opportunity to grow and realize their potential.”
The bill directs $1,187,200 to Colquitt in order to improve the city’s Wastewater Pollution Control Plant and keep it in compliance with clean water standards. The bill would provide Leesburg with $949,146 to install a pump station and other clean water infrastructure improvements that will be part of the development of a recreational complex.
Mayor Preston Clenney of Colquitt stated, “Making improvements to our city’s Water Pollution Control Plant is a top priority and it will help ensure we stay in compliance with clean water regulations. However, this will take a substantial investment. Federal funds will help push this project forward so that we can continue to provide clean drinking water and proper wastewater treatment without a heavy financial burden on the city and its residents. We want to thank Congressman Bishop for his assistance and continued support as the FY 2023 appropriations bill moves forward.”
Mayor Billy Breeden of Leesburg said, “The City of Leesburg is so excited that our wastewater project has been included in the Fiscal Year 2023 Interior and Environment appropriations bill. This project is needed in our small community to develop a Regional Agricultural Events and Recreation Center on the 100-acre site located on the US 19 Bypass. This also will open up commercial and residential opportunities that can grow the west side of town. We appreciate the continued support our city receives from Representative Sanford Bishop.”
These projects are part of the overall, Fiscal Year 2023 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill which provides $44.8 billion for programs, including:
- $3.6 billion in funding for the National Park Service, which helps preserve national parks and lands — like the Jimmy Carter and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Parks and the Andersonville National Historic Site — and their recreation and educational services.
- $2.9 billion for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds to support drinking water, wastewater, and storm water management projects.
- $1.9 billion in funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which helps to support refuge of our wildlife and conservation of habitats around the country.
- $1.6 billion for the U.S. Geological Survey, which provides science about the natural hazards, the natural resources we rely on, the health of our ecosystems, and the impacts of climate.
- $6.43 billion in funding for the Wildland Fire Management, to prevent the start and spread of wildfires.
Original source can be found here.
