WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner today announced that $270,000 in funding was secured for two water projects in the Northern Virginia area. The funds were included in the FY2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, passed in the Senate on Wednesday night, which provides funding for the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior, and economic development projects. 

The projects will restore waterways and improve water quality in the Upper Rappahannock River and along Four Mile Run. In addition to the numerous recreational and educational benefits, improvements to these landmarks will also bolster the health of the Chesapeake Bay. 

“Better waterways, improved recreational resources, and clean water quality are essential to protect our natural landscapes for future generations and attract businesses and tourists alike,” said Senator Webb. “I am pleased that Virginia will receive more than $32 million for a number of projects to bolster conservation measures, promote economic growth and improve Virginians’ quality of life.”

“These investments in environmental restoration and research will help maintain water quality and protect the beauty of Northern Virginia’s suburban riverscapes,” said Senator Warner.  “Overall, the investments in this bill will help fund several projects across Virginia designed to improve infrastructure and protect the environment.”

Below is the list of projects secured in Northern Virginia:

• Upper Rappahannock River (Phase II); Rapidan Tributary, VA -- $170,000

Funds will go toward a feasibility study to evaluate environmental restoration initiatives in upper reaches of the basin. The Rappahannock River Basin study area comprises upstream tributaries, including Rapidan River.  Phase I consisted of removal of Embrey Dam for the passage of anadromous fish.

• Four Mile Run Restoration; City of Alexandria and Arlington County, VA -- $100,000

Funds will be used for wildlife habitat and stream restoration in and along the Four Mile Run Stream Corridor that runs between Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia.  The identified study goals for the watershed are: 1) restore the historic natural infrastructure; 2) enhance, restore and create aquatic habitat and improve nutrient removal functions; 3) restore natural stream channels and remove fish blockages; 4) reduce incidental flood damages in conjunction with habitat improvement; 5) maintain the authorized level of flood protection provided by the existing USACE project; and 6) determine the need, if any, for additional flood protection on Four Mile Run.

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