WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) applauds the 2019 Work Plan released today by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which includes multiple projects in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. The plan includes critical water and wastewater expansion, tourism development, environmental clean-up efforts and flood control projects in Kentucky's Appalachian region. 

The Army Corps' plan is directly funded by one of the federal funding packages passed this fall by Congress for fiscal year 2019. Congressman Rogers, who serves as Chairman Emeritus of the House Appropriations Committee, voted in support of the funding for the Army Corps. 

"The Army Corps provides vital work for our rural communities every year, protecting Southern and Eastern Kentuckians from future flood damage, improving basic infrastructure needs in our mountainous region and boosting economic development in our small counties," said Congressman Rogers. "Each year, I have the opportunity to advocate for important projects in our region and I applaud the Army Corps for aligning its priorities with those of Eastern Kentucky. This year, I was especially proud to work with Corps leadership to help secure additional funding to bolster efforts to remove debris and trash from Fishtrap Lake - an issue that has plagued the Fishtrap area for far too long. Together, we are making significant progress in our communities."

The 2019 Work Plan includes the following projects in Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District:

• $1.869 million for water and sewer projects as part of the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Environmental Infrastructure Program (Section 531);
  
  
• $300,000 for additional debris clean-up efforts at Fishtrap Lake;
  
  
• $9.8 million for several other nonstructural flood control projects (Section 202), such as relocation, elevation, floodproofing and restoration of wetlands. The plan includes $5.5 million for Harlan County, $4 million for Pike County and $300,000 for Bell County. 

To review the entire 2019 Work Plan, visit usace.army.mil. 

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.