November 17, 2005

Mr. Donald C. Strimbeck

Upper Monongahela River Association, Inc.
PO Box 519
Granville, WV 26534-0519

Dear Mr. Strimbeck:

Thank you for contacting me regarding lock funding provisions in pending legislation. I appreciate your being in touch.

As you are aware, in an effort to provide a more permanent solution for lock operators and recreational boaters, I have been working with the Corps of Engineers to have the Hildebrand, Morgantown and Opekiska locks automated. I obtained $342,000 in Fiscal Year 2004 and $350,000 in Fiscal Year 2005 in the spending bill that funds the Corps of Engineers toward that effort. Although I sought additional funding for the project in FY 2006, I regret to say that the project did not receive funding.

Please know that I continue to be aware of the Association's concerns over lock hours, and will keep the needs of lock users in mind should other relevant legislation come before the House.

I hope you will not hesitate to contact me again if I can be helpful in any way. I want to be of all possible assistance.