Sen. Hagan, NC Delegation Secure $11.2m In Energy And Water Investments

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October 15, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) and her colleagues in the North Carolina Congressional Delegation have secured $11.2 million in funding for North Carolina in the 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. The Senate passed the bill today by a vote of 80 to 17, and it will now go to President Obama for his signature.

"These critical energy and water projects will benefit communities across North Carolina," Hagan said. "This bill funds projects that will boost our economy thorough investments in renewable energy technologies that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil. These projects will also help restore many of the inlets and waterways along our coast that have long been neglected."

The dredging project at Bulkhead Channel in Beaufort Harbor will allow users to access the majority of channels without additional maintenance dredging. Beaufort Harbor consists of more than six miles of federal navigation channels, harbors and turning basins.

"This dredging project means there will be access to the deep water of the Atlantic Ocean, which will support increased commerce flowing through the harbor," Hagan said.

UNC Pembroke will receive funding to develop an efficient biodiesel production process. The project, which is a collaboration with North Carolina A&T University, will stimulate a research sector in renewable and alternative energy.

"UNCP is deeply appreciative of the Senator's enthusiastic support for this renewable energy project in the agricultural heart of Southeastern North Carolina," said Dr. Linda Little, Federal Relations Officer and Acting Research Officer at UNCP. "Her belief in our scientists and students and our partners at North Carolina A&T will enable us to contribute more actively to the economic development of this region."

Senator Hagan and her NC congressional colleagues secured the following $11.2 million in funding for North Carolina:

• $3,000,000 for the Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research. It will support long-term renewable energy research that is essential to innovation. (Hagan/Etheridge/Miller/Price)

• $1,000,000 for Microfiber Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Development in Martin County. (Burr/Hagan/Butterfield)

• $1,000,000 for a UNC Solar Energy Research Center (UNC-SERC) Instrumentation Facility. (Hagan/Price)

• $1,000,000 for an Integrated Biomass Refining Initiative at NC State. (Hagan/Etheridge/Price)

• $947,000 for a shore protection General Reevaluation Report for Brunswick County Beaches, (Hagan/McIntyre)
• $750,000 for developing an efficient biodiesel production process at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. (Hagan/McIntyre)

• $750,000 for a renewable energy center at North Carolina A&T University. (Hagan/Butterfield/Watt)

• $600,000 for Regional Sediment Management in Wilmington. (Burr/Hagan)

• $525,000 for the Carolina's Training Energy Center at Central Piedmont Community College. (Hagan/Kissell/Watt)

• $461,000 for dredging at Bogue Inlet. (Hagan/Jones)

• $281,000 for dredging at New Topsail Inlet. (Hagan/McIntyre)

• $281,000 for dredging at Lockwoods Folly. (Hagan/McIntyre)

• $238,000 for operation and maintenance in Beaufort Harbor. (Hagan/Jones)

• $234,000 for dredging at Carolina Beach Inlet. (Hagan/McIntyre)

• $93,000 for the North Carolina International Terminal Feasibility Study in Southport. (Hagan/McIntyre)

• $90,000 for shoreline restoration at Surf City and North Topsail Beach. (Hagan/McIntyre)

• $24,000 for a feasibility study for beach restoration at Bogue Banks. (Burr/Hagan)

Source: Senator Kay R. Hagan