WASHINGTON, DC -The U.S. Senate today passed a $410 billion consolidated appropriations bill to help strengthen our economy, keep the government working for the remainder of fiscal year 2009, and make critical investments in America's future. U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) voted for final passage of the bill.

The bill includes:

• $66.5 billion for education to help students succeed in the classroom, up from $62.1 billion in fiscal year 2008;
• $55 billion for Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development programs, an increase of $6.2 billion, to put people to work and improve our transportation and housing infrastructure;
• $33.3 billion for Energy and Water Development programs, a $2.5 billion increase that will help expand clean energy initiatives; and
• $30.1 billion for the National Institute of Health, a nearly $1 billion increase, to invest in lifesaving research that will result in cures and treatments for debilitating diseases.

The legislation also includes over $32.3 million that Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, and Senator Whitehouse secured for a wide range of projects throughout Rhode Island.

"This legislation makes critical investments in education, health care, and energy efficiency, priorities that were overlooked and underfunded during the Bush Administration. These investments will help grow our economy, improve our infrastructure, boost our energy efficiency, and save and create good paying jobs in Rhode Island and nationwide," said Reed. "I am pleased to have worked with Senator Whitehouse, Representative Kennedy, and Representative Langevin to secure this important funding for Rhode Island. This legislation complements the economic recovery package we passed last month, and provides critical investments to strengthen Rhode Island's economy and our future."

"With our economy in trouble, this funding will help keep jobs in Rhode Island, strengthen our highway and water infrastructure, and support our doctors and hospitals at a critical time for out state and our country," said Whitehouse. "I applaud Senator Reed for his efforts on the Appropriations Committee and am happy to have worked with him to get this done."

The Fiscal Year 2009 Consolidated Appropriations Act includes federal funding for several key Rhode Island programs that Senators Reed and Whitehouse supported, including:

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT: Over $8.7 Million extra for specific RI Initiatives

Senators Reed and Whitehouse worked with Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation to include transportation and housing funding for several Rhode Island projects, including: Pawtucket River Bridge ($1,900,000); South County Commuter Rail Wickford Junction Station ($1,345,000); Portsmouth Town Center Plan ($950,000); RIPTA Statewide Bus Fleet ($950,000); and Nickerson Community Center for homeless veterans ($807,500).

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND SCIENCE (CJS): Over $7.8 Million extra for specific RI Initiatives

Senator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science. Senators Reed and Whitehouse worked with Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation to include CJS funding for several Rhode Island projects, including: Pell Library and Undersea Center at the University of Rhode Island's (URI) Graduate School of Oceanography ($1,200,000 ); URI's Bay Window water quality program ($1,000,000); Narragansett Bay and Little Narragansett Bay Watershed Restoration ($1,000,000); Phoenix House Drug & Alcohol Treatment ($1,000,000); Providence Police Department's drug crime community policing initiative ($1,000,000 ); and Save the Bay's Marine Education Program ($1,000,000).

ENERGY AND WATER: Over $5.3 million extra for specific RI Initiatives

Senator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. Senators Reed and Whitehouse worked with Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation to include energy and water funding for several Rhode Island projects, including: URI's Biofuel Switchgrass Study ($1,427,250); Point Judith Harbor of Refuge Dredging ($1,161,000); Offshore Renewable Energy Special Area Management Plan (SAMP): $666,050; Dredging New Shoreham's Channels ($517,000); and Fox Point Hurricane Barrier ($500,000); South Coastal Rhode Island Sediment Management ($500,000); and Woonsocket Flood Protection Project ($300,000).

LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION: Over $5 Million extra for specific RI Initiatives

Senator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. Senators Reed and Whitehouse worked with Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation to include labor, health, and human services funding for several Rhode Island projects, including: South County Hospital ($856,000); St. Joseph Health Services ($618,000); Year Up Providence ($571,000); Thundermist Health Center ($476,000); and University of Rhode Island's (URI) College of Nursing ($428,000).

AGRICULTURE: Over $1.8 million extra for specific RI Initiatives

Senator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration. Senators Reed and Whitehouse worked with Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation to include agriculture funding for several Rhode Island projects, including: University of Rhode Island's (URI) Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences ($446,000); Rhode Island Aquaculture Initiative ($280,000); Tick-Borne Disease Research ($280,000); the Pocasset River Watershed Project ($267,000); and the East Coast Shellfish Aquaculture Initiative ($245,000).

INTERIOR AND ENVIRONMENT: Over $3.1 Million extra for specific RI Initiatives

Senator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment. Senators Reed and Whitehouse worked with Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation to include environmental and infrastructure funding for several Rhode Island projects, including: Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex ($700,000); North Providence Drainage Improvements ($600,000); Aquidneck Island Wastewater Treatment Facility Planning Study ($500,000); Lincoln Water Main Relining ($300,000); and Wastewater Treatment System Upgrades ($300,000).

FINANCIAL SERVICES: Over $685,000 extra for specific RI Initiatives

Senators Reed and Whitehouse worked with Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation to include financial services funding for several Rhode Island projects, including: Rhode Island Rural Development Council and Farm Fresh Rhode Island ($332,500); East Providence Special Waterfront Development District ($234,746); Aquidneck Island Corporate Park ($117,909); and Rhode Island Manufacturers Institute ($63,867).

On February 25th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill by a vote of 245-178. Now that it has been approved by the full U.S. Senate, it will go to the President's desk to be signed into law.

Following is a complete list of funding for Rhode Island projects that Senators Reed and Whitehouse supported in the Fiscal Year 2009 Consolidated Appropriations Act:

AGRICULTURE: Over $1.8 million
Senator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration

University of Rhode Island's (URI) Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences (CBLS): $446,000
The bill provides these federal funds for CBLS to purchase equipment and invest in post-doctoral fellows. Senator Reed worked with Rhode Island's Delegation to secure this funding.

Rhode Island Aquaculture Initiative: $280,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) to help bolster Rhode Island's aquaculture industry.

Tick-Borne Disease Research: $280,000
The bill provides these federal funds for URI's Tick Encounter Resource Center (TERC) to support research and development on tick forecasting models. Senator Reed worked with Rhode Island's Delegation to secure this funding.

Pocasset River Watershed Project: $267,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to pay for planning, engineering, permitting, and construction of floodwalls necessary to protect property in Cranston and Johnston.

East Coast Shellfish Aquaculture Initiative: $245,000
The bill provides these federal funds for URI and the East Coast Shellfish Institute to develop research that will help the East Coast shellfish aquaculture double production in ten years while creating at least 500 full-time jobs. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

Nitrate Pollution Reduction Study: $155,000
The bill provides these federal funds for URI's Watershed Hydrology Lab to work with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and NRCS to study effective strategies for reducing nitrate contamination in groundwater and coastal habitats.

Soil Survey: $134,000
The bill provides these federal funds for URI's Soil Pedology Lab to work with the USDA and NRCS to study how subaqueous soils in shallow estuarine ecosystems are suitable or not suitable for various uses.

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND SCIENCE: Over $7.8 Million
Senator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science

Pell Library and Undersea Center at the University of Rhode Island's (URI) Graduate School of Oceanography: $1,200,000
The bill provides these federal funds to help complete and outfit the Pell Center. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Kennedy to secure this funding.

Bay Window Program: $1,000,000
The bill provides these federal funds for URI's Bay Window program to promote water quality and conduct ecological assessments of Narragansett Bay. Senator Reed worked with Rhode Island's Delegation to secure this funding.

Narragansett Bay and Little Narragansett Bay Watershed Restoration: $1,000,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) CRMC to develop a comprehensive regional habitat restoration and protection plan for areas in the Narragansett Bay and Little Narragansett Bay watersheds.

Phoenix House: $1,000,000
The bill provides these federal funds for Phoenix House to acquire, install, and train staff in the use of a clinical management system. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

Providence Police Department: $1,000,000
The bill provides these federal funds to help strengthen Providence Police Department's drug crime community policing initiative and to create the Providence Highpoint Initiative, consisting of additional foot and bike patrols in key districts across the city as well as provide counseling and job training for offenders. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Langevin to secure this funding.

Save the Bay's Marine Education Program: $1,000,000
The bill provides these federal funds to support Save the Bay's Marine Education Program, which teaches children about the economic, recreational, and environmental benefits of Narragansett Bay. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Kennedy to secure this funding.

Providence Center's Continuum of Care Program (CCP): $500,000
The bill provides these federal funds for CCP to support treatment, transition assistance, and services for individuals who are reentering the community after prison. Senator Reed worked with Rhode Island's Delegation to secure this funding.

Pawtucket Police Department and Pawtucket Partnership for a Brighter Future: $493,000
The bill provides these federal funds to support the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program; the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket; Cape Verdean American Cultural Development; the Pawtucket School Department; the Juvenile Hearing Board; and the Special Response Team. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Kennedy to secure this funding.

URI's Digital Forensics Center: $250,000
The bill provides these federal funds to jumpstart full operation of the DFC by supporting initial staff and technical equipment costs. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

Boys Town of New England: $200,000
The bill provides these federal funds integrate its Boys Town Treatment Family Home program and its In-Home Family Services program, which will increase services for at-risk girls and boys in the juvenile justice system. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Kennedy to secure this funding.

CARITAS: $200,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the Adolescent Outcomes Tracking Project, which will allow CARITAS to track and provide comprehensive case management services for adolescent clients in the critical months immediately following residential treatment.

ENERGY AND WATER: Over $5.3 million
Senator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development

Genetic Improvement of Switchgrass Study: $1,427,250
The bill provides these federal funds for the University of Rhode Island (URI) to research the genetic improvement of switchgrass for biofuel production.

Point Judith Harbor of Refuge Dredging: $1,161,000
The bill provides these federal funds to complete dredging in the entrance channel, East and West Branch channels, and the 10 foot anchorage of the Point Judith Harbor of Refuge Federal Navigation Project (FNP).

Offshore Renewable Energy Special Area Management Plan (SAMP): $666,050
The bill provides these federal funds for the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) to develop an Ocean SAMP that will help evaluate and develop Rhode Island's offshore renewable energy capabilities. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Langevin to secure this funding.

Dredging New Shoreham's Channels: $517,000
The bill provides these federal funds to dredge New Shoreham's New Harbor and Old Harbor's entrance channels to help ensure that the harbor can accommodate vessels, which are integral to the tourism economy of Block Island.

Fox Point Hurricane Barrier: $500,000
The bill provides these federal funds to support the continued operation and maintenance of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier in Providence. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Langevin to secure this funding.

South Coastal Rhode Island Sediment Management: $500,000
The bill provides these federal funds for mapping efforts to track the sediment management system and allow for comprehensive hazard reduction planning to protect residential and commercial properties, local infrastructure, and ecological resources and habitats threatened by erosion. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

Woonsocket Flood Protection Project: $300,000
The bill provides these federal funds to support the continued operation and maintenance of the Blackstone River Flood Protection Project, which is a key component of Woonsocket and the Blackstone Valley's flood management plan.

Providence Dredging and Sediment Management Study: $278,000
The bill provides these federal funds to help evaluate the waterway, which Providence's 175,000 residents and 900,000 visitors enjoy for river-related events, including the nationally renowned WaterFire. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Langevin to secure this funding.

FINANCIAL SERVICES: Over $685,000

Rhode Island Rural Development Council and Farm Fresh Rhode Island: $332,500
The bill provides these federal funds for the Council and Farm Fresh to promote and market Rhode Island's locally grown produce. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

East Providence Special Waterfront Development District: $234,746
The bill provides these federal funds for the Commission to assist small businesses in constructing or renovating properties using green building design and other sustainable development approaches. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Kennedy to secure this funding.

Aquidneck Island Corporate Park: $117,909
The bill provides these federal funds for the Town of Middletown to make improvements to the park. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Kennedy to secure this funding.

Rhode Island Manufacturers Institute: $63,867
The bill provides these federal funds for the Institute to conduct a competitiveness study to help strengthen Rhode Island's manufacturing industry. Senator Reed worked with Rhode Island's Delegation to secure this funding.

INTERIOR AND ENVIRONMENT: Over $3.1 Million
Senator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment

Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex: $700,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the Conservation Fund to acquire more acreage. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Langevin to secure this funding.

North Providence Drainage Improvements: $600,000
The bill provides these federal funds for North Providence to make improvements to the town's drainage system to help eliminate flooding and prevent damage. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

Wastewater Treatment Facility Planning: $500,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the Newport Chamber of Commerce to create a design and development study of a regional wastewater treatment facility that can help Aquidneck Island properly sustain its utility systems. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Kennedy to secure this funding.

Lincoln Water Main Relining: $300,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the Lincoln Water Commission to reline 100-year old water mains to improve the quality of the domestic water supply and fire hydrant flows.

Touisset Point Septic System Upgrades and Replacement: $300,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the Town of Warren to use as a direct payment for replacement of failed and substandard septic systems, which created a public health crises by contaminating the local water supplies. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

Wastewater Treatment System Upgrades: $300,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the Town of Bristol to make repairs to its secondary treatment system, which removes biological pollutants that would otherwise be discharged into Bristol Harbor and Narragansett Bay.

Trinity Repertory Company: $250,000
The bill provides these federal funds for Trinity Repertory to make renovations to maintain and protect the historic Lederer Theater Center.

Sewer Improvements for East Providence: $200,000
The bill provides these federal funds for East Providence to design and construct a new interceptor pipe that will help support the city's successful sewer system overflow abatement program. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Kennedy to secure this funding.

LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION: Over $5 Million
Senator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education

South County Hospital: $856,000
The bill provides these federal funds for South County Hospital to support the development of an electronic community record so the hospital can participate in the state's initiative to build one of the first patient-controlled repositories of clinical health records in the country. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

St. Joseph Health Services: $618,000
The bill provides these federal funds for St. Joseph Health Services in North Providence to renovate the Fatima Hospital's Emergency Room.

Year Up Providence: $571,000
The bill provides these federal funds for Year Up Providence to support its thirteenth Year Bridge to Careers and College program for high school graduates and GED recipients who face considerable obstacles in making these transitions.

Thundermist Health Center: $476,000
The bill provides these federal funds for Thundermist Health Center to make renovations and expand its services. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Langevin to secure this funding.

University of Rhode Island's (URI) College of Nursing: $428,000
The bill provides these federal funds for URI's College of Nursing to upgrade its technology infrastructure to create laptop-based, wireless classrooms and learning laboratories. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Langevin to secure this funding.

Groden Center: $333,000
The bill provides these federal funds to the Groden Center to support its job training assistance program for adults with Asperger's syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder.

Tri-Town Community Action Agency Health Center: $333,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the Tri-Town Community Action Agency Health Center in Johnston to make renovations to the facility and purchase equipment.

Comprehensive Community Action, Inc (CCAP): $285,000
The bill provides these federal funds for CCAP of Cranston to implement an integrated electronic health record and practice management system. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

Rhode Island College School of Nursing: $285,000
The bill provides these federal funds to the Rhode Island College Foundation to upgrade the Rhode Island College School of Nursing's clinical laboratory.

St. Joseph Hospital: $238,000
The bill provides these federal funds for St. Joseph Hospital to upgrade facilities and purchase equipment. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Kennedy to secure this funding.

Local Initiatives Support Coalition: $190,000
The bill provides these federal funds to pay for workshops and seminars geared towards helping Rhode Island's childcare providers plan and implement facilities improvement or expansion projects.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island: $143,000
The bill provides these federal funds for Audubon to develop the Environmental Education for Urban Schools Initiative, which will consist of a classroom curriculum led by Audubon educators and field trips to Audubon's wildlife refuges.

Groundwork Providence: $143,000
The bill provides these federal funds for Groundwork Providence to create a green landscaping job training program for 40 to 60 unemployed and/or underemployed at-risk youth and adults and a series of job training opportunities for up to 120 adults in the emerging green building industry.

Bayside Family Health Care: $95,000
The bill provides these federal funds for Bayside to install an electronic health records system. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

Crossroads of Rhode Island: $95,000
The bill provides these federal funds for Crossroads to offer counseling and psycho-therapy to chronically homeless adults with histories of trauma and severe mental health illness. Senator Reed worked with Rhode Island's Delegation to secure this funding.

Providence Community Health Centers: $95,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the Providence Community Health Centers to install an electronic health records system to improve patient services at its five facilities across the City. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT: Over $8.7 Million

Pawtucket River Bridge: $1,900,000
The bill provides these federal funds for RIDOT to help replace the I-95 Pawtucket River Bridge (Bridge #550), which is listed as structurally deficient and currently closed to heavy truck traffic. Senator Reed worked with Rhode Island's Delegation to secure this funding.

South County Commuter Rail Wickford Junction Station: $1,345,000
The bill provides these federal funds for RIDOT to support the South County Commuter Rail Project at Wickford Junction Station in North Kingstown, which will extend commuter rail service to southern Rhode Island.

Portsmouth Town Center Plan: $950,000
The bill provides these federal funds for Portsmouth to conduct engineering studies and create a design that will address both safety issues and economic development in the area. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Kennedy to secure this funding.

Statewide Bus Fleet: $950,000
The bill provides these federal funds for RIPTA to support its Statewide Bus/Van Replacement program, which is an ongoing effort to replace rundown vehicles with newer vehicles that are more fuel-efficient. Senator Reed worked with Congressman Langevin to secure this funding.

Nickerson Community Center: $807,500
The bill provides these federal funds for the center to renovate four buildings and provide permanent rental housing for chronically homeless veterans and their families. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Langevin to secure this funding.

Providence Community Action: $665,000
The bill provides these federal funds for Providence Community Action to purchase a building to provide transitional housing for homeless families. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Langevin to secure this funding.

Blackstone Bike Path: $475,000
The bill provides these federal funds for RIDOT to support work on Segment 8 of the Blackstone River Bikeway, which consists of 3.6 miles from Manville Hill Road at the Lincoln-Cumberland line to Davidson Street in Woonsocket and on to the Massachusetts state border. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Kennedy to secure this funding.

Tiverton Public Library Land Acquisition: $475,000
The bill provides these federal funds for Tiverton Library Services to acquire land to construct a new, green library building.

International Institute of Rhode Island (IIRI): $285,000
The bill provides these federal funds for IIRI to renovate its Providence headquarters.

YMCA of Pawtucket: $285,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the YMCA to make facility improvements to expand existing programs that will teach participants wellness skills and help decrease the burden on the health care system. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

Newport Heights Redevelopment: $237,500
The bill provides these federal funds for the Housing Authority of the City of Newport to support the fifth and final phase of the redevelopment of Newport Heights. Senator Reed worked with Congressman Kennedy to secure this funding.

Jamiel Park: $190,000
The bill provides these federal funds for the Town of Warren to make infrastructure Improvements that will help rehabilitate and revitalize Jamiel Park. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.

Transportation for Seniors in Johnston and Pawtucket: $190,000
The bill provides these federal funds for RIPTA to purchase vans to expand transportation for seniors in the towns of Johnston and Pawtucket. Senator Reed worked with Senator Whitehouse to secure this funding.