WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee passed $5.7 million in federal funding for projects in Ohio that support water infrastructure and environmental protection projects. The funding, which was secured by Brown, was included in the Interior Appropriations Act of 2010.

“Infrastructure and economic development go hand-in-hand,” Brown said. “These funds will support improvements to water and sewer systems that will make utilities more affordable and promote economic development.”
As a result of the economic downturn, communities have struggled to make important investments

needed to protect the environment and ensure a reliable water infrastructure. This funding will ensure that potential risks to public health are addressed. The improvements are anticipated to promote economic development and reduce utility costs.

Brown has been a leading advocate in Congress for increased investments to protect the environment and improve water infrastructure needs. He successfully fought to include $6 billion for water infrastructure projects in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. In April, Brown and Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) announced the Clean Water Affordability Act, which would help 86 Ohio counties make important renovations to outdated sewer systems.

The bill also includes $4 million in funds, secured by Brown and Voinovich, that would protect 600 acres of land surrounding Blossom Music Center and incorporate it into Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

“ Blossom Music Center is cherished by so many Ohioans and is an important driver of economic development,” Brown said of the project. “These funds will help preserve the land surrounding Blossom. The addition of this land will further the Cuyahoga Valley National Park's status as a premier site for conservation.”

The list of projects that would receive funds can be found below. The bill must be passed by the full Senate and conference with the House before heading to the president’s desk for signature.

Akron
$4,000,000 Land Acquisition – Cuyahoga Valley National Park
This funding would be used to purchase more than 600 acres for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  The land, which is adjacent to the park, will help protect forests and streams in the area. These funds were secured by Brown and Voinovich.

Cincinnati
$1,200,000 Organics Detection System – Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission
This funding would be used to upgrade monitoring systems that detect chemicals and other pollutants in the Ohio River. The improvements will help protect public health through the early detection of contaminants in the river. These funds were secured by Brown and Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-WV).

Fremont
$500,000 Combined Sewer Overflow Elimination – City of Fremont
This funding would be used to make improvements to the wastewater treatment plant in Fremont. The efforts will minimize the flow of sewage and other contaminants into the Sandusky River. These funds were secured by Brown and Voinovich.

Earlier this month, Brown (D-OH) joined U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today to announce the release of a $2.96 million recovery grant for the city of Fremont. The federal funds, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will be administered through an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to invest in critical wastewater infrastructure improvements to serve local businesses and create new jobs.

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