In addition to expected benefits from the previously enacted stimulus bill, the House of Representatives has passed the $410 billion Omnibus Appropriations Act (HR 1105) by a vote of 245-178. The U.S. Senate is expected to act on it this week or next.

Included in the bill is more than $360 million for projects and organizations throughout the First Congressional District, according to a release from that congressman's office.

Ed Whitfield specifically requested funding for a number of these initiatives, according to his office.

Below are some of the projects to receive money from the legislation:

o $54,554,000 for the ongoing Wolf Creek Dam Rehabilitation Project

o $166,250 to construct an Adair County Senior and Wellness Center

o $95,000 to upgrade and expand the Metcalfe County Adult Day Care Center

o $190,000 for the Agriculture Exposition Center in Casey County

U.S. Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers, of the fifth Kentucky district, announced at the top of his web page this week that the United States House of Representatives has approved $54,816,000 for continued construction work on Wolf Creek Dam and recreational improvements at Lake Cumberland.

"Lake Cumberland is the crown jewel of Kentucky lakes, and shoring up Wolf Creek Dam for boaters and fishermen, lake-dependent businesses, and tourism-dependent communities is of utmost importance. I am pleased that this project remains a top funding priority for the Corps nationwide and that progress towards timely, successful completion of these repairs steadily continues," stated Rogers. "While safety remains my top priority at Wolf Creek Dam, promoting Lake Cumberland's top-notch recreational facilities is of vital importance in these trying economic times. I am confident the additional operational funds slated for Lake Cumberland will make our region an even more desirable destination for vacationers."

The Wolf Creek Dam project is the top dam safety project for the Corps in the nation and in July 2008, the Corps awarded a $341 million joint venture contract to Treviicos-Soletanche JV for the construction of a 4200-foot concrete barrier wall at the dam. Treviicos-Soletanche is currently in the process of installing vital instrumentation and working towards completion of upstream and downstream grout lines.

With $54.55 million now headed to Wolf Creek Dam construction this year, over $98 million in federal funding has been dedicated toward this project, according to Rogers' staff. Rogers secured an additional $314,000 for needed recreational and structural improvements to degraded Lake Cumberland structures.