HOUSE SEEKS $40 MILLION FOR U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY IN WAKE OF HURRICANE ISABEL

The storm surge from Hurricane Isabel caused substantial damage to the U.S. Naval Academy, particularly to its electrical, communications and mechanical systems. These systems-including utility lines, communications equipment and air conditioning-are critical to the operation of the Academy, and were so severely damaged that they must be replaced. The $40 million in appropriations will enable the Academy to replace and upgrade these systems.

"I represent the U.S. Naval Academy, and it is imperative that we replace and upgrade these critical electrical and mechanical systems. These appropriations also will allow the Academy to make the necessary upgrades so that in the future these important systems will no longer be as vulnerable to flooding," said Rep. Cardin, a member of the Homeland Security Committee.

The Academy also sustained significant damage to classrooms, laboratories, dormitories and athletic fields.

The Chronicle was unable to ascertain what extraordinary steps the Naval Academy did, or did not do, to mitigate this destruction.

The supplemental appropriations bill contains general funding for recovery and repairs for military bases and facilities in the District of Columbia and in five mid-Atlantic states, including Maryland.