Rep. Kay Granger’s vision for an urban lake for Fort Worth moved closer to reality Wednesday when the House Appropriations Committee approved $7.2 million in construction funding for the Army Corps of Engineers’ Central City project.

The flood-control and economic development plan, known as the Trinity River Vision, has been a Granger project since the beginning of the decade.

"I am thrilled by the news," said Granger, R-Fort Worth.

The $7.2 million was earmarked by Granger and Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, who are on the appropriations panel.

Also in the bill is $500,000 for the corps to study flood control, ecosystem restoration and recreation opportunities in the Upper Trinity River Basin, in a provision earmarked by Granger and Reps. Joe Barton, R-Arlington, and Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville. Burgess described that funding as vital for flood protection in the Big Fossil Creek flood plain.

Arlington’s Johnson Creek got $1.5 million in the latest installment of the flood-control project requested by Barton, while $2 million was earmarked for Dallas’ Trinity River floodway extension by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas.

The energy and water appropriations bill has $33.3 billion for water projects and energy programs for fiscal 2010, which begins Oct. 1.

The bill reflects the corps’ strong support from lawmakers who funded the programs, according to a House Appropriations Committee news release. It received $5.5 billion, $139 million above 2009 levels and $416 million above the president’s budget request.


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