PITTSBURGH -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District reports that the President’s Fiscal Year 2021 Budget includes $103.1 million in new federal funding for the district’s civil works program.
This is part of the $6 billion in discretionary funding for the Army Corps worldwide civil works program. The proposed funding will help maintain the reliability of the region’s inland waterways navigation system, enhance the environment and reduce the risk of flooding in the Upper Ohio River Valley.
“The budget represents a continuing, fiscally prudent investment in the nation’s water resources infrastructure,” said Col. Andrew Short, commander, Pittsburgh District.
The 2021 budget provides $39 million for the operation and maintenance of the Pittsburgh District’s 16 flood risk-management reservoirs. The reservoirs provide additional flows that improve downstream water quality and ensure adequate depths for commercial river navigation. More than 6-million people visit the district’s lakes each year for recreation.
“Funding the construction, maintenance and operation of critical civil works infrastructure projects is an investment in the nation’s economy, security, quality of life and the environment,” said Col. Short.
Also included in the budget is $61.8 million in operation and maintenance funds to provide reliable navigation on the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. Usage of the area’s three rivers reduces the cost to transport bulk commodities, decreases pollution and lowers wear and tear on roads.
The budget also provides funding for the district’s three federally-maintained local flood-protection projects at Johnstown and Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and Elkins, West Virginia. Johnstown received $2.1 million for channel maintenance. Inspections are planned for Punxsutawney and Elkins which received $121,000 and $79,000 respectively.
“The FY 2021 budget reflects the administration’s priorities to support and improve the nation’s economy and infrastructure, and protect the American people,” said Col. Short.
To view the entire FY 2021 Civil Works budget visit http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Budget.aspx, under the heading Program Budget: Press Books.
Pittsburgh District’s 26,000 square miles include portions of western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, eastern Ohio, western Maryland and southwestern New York. Our jurisdiction includes more than 328 miles of navigable waterways, 23 navigation locks and dams, 16 multi-purpose reservoirs, 42 local flood protection projects and other projects to protect and enhance the nation’s water resources, infrastructure and environment.
The district’s additional missions include water supply, emergency response, and regulation of the Clean Water Act. The Corps often partners with local communities to improve water supply, sanitary sewer and stormwater infrastructure. During disasters, the district manages the nation’s emergency power contract which provides temporary power to downed critical infrastructure. District personnel deploy overseas to help build, manage and administer water resource infrastructure projects.
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