U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that a key committee in the U.S. House of Representatives has approved funding for the continued rehabilitation of Wolf Creek Dam. On Tuesday evening, the House Appropriations Committee passed the FY10 Energy & Water Appropriations bill, which includes $123 million in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ budget for ongoing improvements and repairs at the dam.

“Completing the Wolf Creek Dam project in a safe and timely manner is a top priority so that we can restore economic growth and bring jobs back to the Lake Cumberland area,” said Rogers. “Although I am disappointed by recent delays in shoring up Critical Area 1, I am hopeful these additional funds will keep the overall project moving steadily and safely forward and ensure we’re on track for a timely completion. Many challenges remain but I will continue to work with the Corps to ensure that Kentucky’s crown jewel, Lake Cumberland, is brought back to its original water level so that we can continue to bolster tourism.”

The Wolf Creek Dam project is the top dam safety project for the Corps in the nation and in July 2008, the Corps awarded a $341 million joint venture contract to Treviicos-Soletanche JV for the construction of a 4200-foot concrete barrier wall at the dam. Treviicos-Soletanche recently began installation a Protective Concrete Embankment Wall (PCEW), which is the first stage of barrier wall construction and will increase dam safety during the remainder of construction. With passage of this legislation, expected later this summer, over $304 million in federal funding will have been dedicated toward this project.

Rogers serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. Through this role, Rogers supports important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.