http://wfpl.org/post/mcconnell-reid-deal-includes-2-billion-earmark-kentucky-project
McConnell-Reid Deal Includes $2 Billion Earmark for Kentucky Project
A proposal to end the government shutdown and avoid default orchestrated by Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic Leader Harry Reid includes a $2 billion earmark for a Kentucky project.
Language in a draft of the McConnell-Reid deal (see page 13, section 123) provided to WFPL News shows a provision that increases funding for the massive Olmsted Dam Lock in Louisville from $775 million to nearly $2. 9 billion.
The dam is considered an important project for the state and region in regards to water traffic along the Ohio River.
As The Courier-Journal's James Bruggers reported in 2011, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said they needed about $2.1 billion for the locks due to "stop and go funding."
Asked about the additional funding in the proposal, McConnell spokesman Robert Steurer directed all questions to lawmakers who worked on the bill directly.
"Senators (Diane) Feinstein and (Lamar) Alexander, the chair and ranking member of the energy and water subcommittee, worked on the issue and can help you," he says.
Since 2009, McConnell has been an outspoken supporter of the project, and has been working on getting its funding for some time.
Watch:
Still, conservative critics of the proposal argue it is nothing more than a "kickback" for McConnell in an age where Tea Parties have eschewed earmarks.
The Olmsted Dam sees nearly 90 billion tons of materials such as coal, petroleum and other goods move through that stretch of the Ohio River annually.
UPDATE 7:30 p.m.:
A statement from Sen. Alexander's office to BuzzFeed says the language was added to prevent funding from being canceled.
"According to the Army Corps of Engineers, 160 million taxpayer dollars will be wasted because of canceled contracts if this language is not included. Sen. [Diane] Feinstein and I, as chairman and ranking member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, requested this provision. It has already been approved this year by the House and Senate."
Replies
McConnell needs to be voted out ..
The whole of politics sucks . Neither party represents the people. Difference between parties nothing. I have voted since the early 60's when the voting age was 21. Both parties have destroyed the morals of this country by caving to every sick agenda presented and since we have had the mulatto Muslim illegal homosexual in the people's house the country has totally went to hell. The farce of this past 16 days is nothing compaired to whats ahead. Once our military is totally destroyed we are finished. THE NEW WORLD ORDER is here!
Just another sorry bag of crap
Betsy, It was just a game, from the start. They all (both sides) knew when and how it would stop. We have got to get these people out of office.
DOEDOE BIRDS alway feather their nests and those of the unions working the bid.
Lying, Yellow Bellied Coward, self -serving, sleeping with Harry Reid, all the while, what a disgusting piece of immoral Filth.
Some background ,on these things, would be helpful, many people think Rand Paul, hangs the Moon, and if he too, is involved in the deception, it needs to exposed. Facts mam, just the facts. I am sincerely curious, thanks.
I feel like another Vet friend this so called shutdown was planned & setup for at least 6 months probably longer .The gubmint doesnt go that fast to have specific worded signs & barrycades & ect..ready that fast in all those areas cutoff & shutdown. .
The gubmint found out the panic & peoples reactions when the EBT cards were cutoff .They found out the reactions of people in shuting down different monuments & parks .
Now folks think its solved but round 2 comes in January 2014 , they got people conditioned to believe it will be solved fast ,just normal gubmint. .The flying of helicopters on so called training exercises in our cities is conditioning folks its normal . I think the so called compromise was part of the plan. They priming for a fast Marshall Law & people will be caught off guard ????? Check out the new Boeing CHAMP weapon resently tested.
Conspiracy theory you be the judge ..
I agree with those who say the whole politics suck! This entire dog and pony show seems to have come to its expected last minute salvation by the Politicians. When the Speaker of the House said "we lost" That supports my idea this was nothing but a game anyhow. But it seems Sen.Cruz still has credibility. And it the TEA Party is truly the Patriot then We will rise and insist the Negotiations Not be capitulation.America cannot continue raising the debt ceiling every time the "progressives" want a new program funded.The other side needs to be forced to accept that this is NOT their Money but ours.They Need to be forced to accept that when the Legislature writes Laws --and the Executive signs those laws --but the bulk of our Government is exempted --we are No longer a Free and Sovereign Nation When the President can pick and choose what Laws or what Constitutional precept he will have enforced or will Ignore We have lost the rule of Law and have Progressed into Tyranny. There are indeed two powers only that can control the passions of men -- the combined force of the Bible and laws conforming to it's precepts-- or the force or fear of the bayonet. where there is No freedom.
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