From: Griffin, Adele (LeMieux) [Adele_Griffin@LeMieux.senate.gov]

Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 9:25 AM

Subject: FW: Mayport Wins Dredging Funds and Wharf Upgrade

Adele Griffin

North Florida Regional Director

U. S. Senator George LeMieux

1650 Prudential Drive

Jacksonville, FL  32207

(904) 398-8586

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Contact:
Ken Lundberg 202-228-5957
Erin Sayago 202-228-5113

Mayport Wins Dredging Funds and Wharf Upgrade

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) today announced that House and Senate negotiators have agreed to restore funds for Naval Station Mayport’s dredging and wharf upgrade projects. These efforts are critical to maintaining Mayport’s ability to carry out its current and future missions. The $76 million is included in the fiscal year 2010 Defense Authorization bill. The measure now goes to the House and Senate for final approval before the bill is sent to the President for his signature.

“Mayport is a critically important installation and will become more so as the Navy carries out its plan for strategically dispersing its aircraft carriers,” said Senator LeMieux, a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. “I commend the members of the House and Senate who supported restoring the funds for these projects, and I thank the members of the Mayport community for their efforts pointing out the critical need for these improvements to move forward.”

The $76 million includes $46.3 million for dredging the Mayport channel and the balance for upgrades at Charlie Wharf. Both projects are funded at the amounts originally requested by the President and the Navy.

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