WASHINGTON, D.C. – With U.S. Army Corps of Engineer (USACE) leadership touring flood-prone sections of the Blanchard River today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) underscored his support of the Blanchard River Flood Risk Management Project (BRFRMP). Brown has been a steadfast advocate for the project, working closely with Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) to ensure the project remains on track and fully funded. Lt. Col. Karl Jansen, commander of the USACE Buffalo division, toured sites in Putnam and Hancock counties.
“The long-term success of the Blanchard River Flood Risk Management Project requires all partners to work collaboratively and constructively to ensure local homeowners and businesses do not continue to be impacted by devastating floods,” Brown said. “I am encouraged that Army Corps leadership visited Ohio to see this area firsthand and gather a better understanding of the need for continued action. I would like to thank Congressman Latta for arranging this meeting and stand ready to continue working with him and Sen. Portman as we move forward on this project.”
In May, the Senate passed a critical water infrastructure bill that includes an amendment introduced by Brown that could expedite projects like the BRFRMP. The bipartisan amendment to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) would ensure projects are eligible for federal construction funds upon completion of their U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) Chief of Engineer’s Report. Without this amendment, BRFRMP would not be eligible to receive federal construction funds from USACE until the next WRRDA authorization.
BRFRMP, viewed by USACE as a model for the rest of the country, is a first of its kind flood risk management project. Brown continues to fight for the project’s completion to protect local homes and businesses. Findlay-headquartered Marathon Oil Company has recently recommitted to the city and will hire hundreds of employees. Brown’s amendment provides greater assurance that the Findlay community and businesses like Marathon will be safe from flooding and can stay and grow in the region.
In March 2014, Brown announced that the Army Corps 2014 Work Plan included $1.5 million for the USACE Buffalo District to complete its Chief of Engineer’s Report on the BRFRMP. The announcement was the culmination of more than a yearlong effort by Brown and his colleagues who have worked to ensure that the Blanchard River project receives the funding necessary for its completion.
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