Congressman Walter Jones Takes Action | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Releases:

Jones Calls for Meeting on Oregon Inlet Funding

    WASHINGTON, D.C.     Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) called for a meeting with top federal officials and Dare County leaders regarding funding for maintenance dredging of Oregon Inlet. In a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) Jo-Ellen Darcy, Congressman Jones explained that although the White House Council on Environmental Quality promised in 2003 to consistently provide funding for dredging to keep the channel maintained, dredging dollars in presidential budget requests have decreased almost every year – with the request for Fiscal Year 2015 coming in woefully short at $800,000. Because of the ban on congressional earmarks, funding for Oregon Inlet cannot be increased through legislation.

    This lack of funding has caused the channel – authorized at 14 feet deep – to shoal in to less than four feet in some areas, effectively closing it to most marine traffic and negatively impacting fishing fleets and the local economy, which depend on the inlet. Congressman Jones' letter requests that Assistant Secretary Darcy meet with him and Dare County officials to discuss funding options for Oregon Inlet moving forward.

Jones Visits FRC East for Update on Depot Activities

    WASHINGTON, D.C.     Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) met with leaders of Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) East aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point to receive an update on depot activities. During his visit, Congressman Jones toured the facility and viewed the aircraft, including F-35Bs, that have been brought to FRC East for maintenance. He also met with a wounded service member who has been hired by FRC East as part of their ongoing effort – strongly supported by Congressman Jones – to recruit veterans, particularly those who have been medically retired.

    "I am pleased to have had the opportunity today to again meet with FRC East officials and discuss the issues that are affecting the depot," said Congressman Jones. "The capable employees of FRC East play an integral role in maintaining the superiority of our military aircraft, and we in turn must ensure that those employees are provided with the necessary resources to accomplish their work. I will continue to be a strong advocate in Congress for the needs of FRC East – from the addition of new facilities to assistance with the civil service hiring system."

    Congressman Jones has been working with several other members of the North Carolina congressional delegation to advocate for funding of the F-35 Vertical Lift Fan Repair and Test Facility at FRC East. The depot is a critical provider of jobs in Craven County, currently employing 3,045 civilians, and has indicated that it must soon expand its workforce to accommodate its current workload.


    Sarah Howard
      Communications Director

    Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3)

     2333 Rayburn House Office Building
     Washington, DC 20515

     sarah.howard@mail.house.gov  •  (202) 225-3415