$22 mil secured for environmental projects

Congress Nov. 14 passed the Energy and Water Appropriations Act for next year, including funds to be dispersed to the city of Springfield, Crowder College and area lake projects.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ study of Jordan Creek in Springfield will receive $375,000 for its efforts to find alternatives for flood control and environmental restoration. The 44-month study is expected to be complete in late 2007.

The bill also includes $1 million for Crowder College’s Missouri Alternative Renewable Energy Technology Center. When complete, the center will be a solar-powered living laboratory and a model for solar and thermodynamic systems. Architects and engineers will be able to use to the lab to learn how to apply the energy efficient technologies to the design of new buildings.

Also through the bill, the annual operating budget for Table Rock Lake will increase by 27 percent for 2006. Table Rock’s budget will receive $7.57 million, compared to $5.97 million last year.

Other lake budgets to receive operational funding include Stockton Lake, $3.368 million; Pomme de Terre Lake, $1.77 million; and Truman Lake, $8.23 million.

The bill funds water projects under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers and energy projects within the Department of Energy.