Drought relief bill passes House

Washington, D.C. - A $600 million drought relief funding bill for farmers, including those in the Shoals, has passed the House on Monday, said U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer's office.

"Most of north Alabama continues to suffer through one of the worst droughts in history," said Cramer, D-Huntsville.

Cramer's office also announced that the House approved Monday $192,440 for continued renovations to Ivy Green in Tuscumbia.

Funding totaling $243,000 also was secured for the new health and science building proposed at the University of North Alabama.

The bill also included $984,000 to make energy conservation and efficiency improvements to academic buildings at UNA with a average age of 65 years.

In addition, $492,200 was secured for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements for Muscle Shoals.

The monies all were part of a conference agreement for the Fiscal Year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. It will now be sent to the Senate.