WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate has approved $66 million in funding for flood-ravaged southwestern Utah, part of an emergency appropriations bill to fund the war in Iraq.

"Today's vote brings us one step closer to providing much-needed relief to our state," said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, and chairman of the subcommittee that approves the budget for the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"This funding is critical to restoring the infrastructure and physical well-being of southern Utah communities," he added.

The bill now goes to conference committee, where differences between the House and Senate versions will be hammered out. Bennett will be part of that committee, promising the flood-relief money will remain in the legislation.

The emergency supplemental package includes $103 million for watersheds damaged in recent flooding, mostly in Nevada, California and Utah. Utah's $66 million share of that total is in addition to about $10 million already appropriated by Congress for flood relief.

"Not only do we need to repair bridges, roads and other infrastructures, but we need to ensure this doesn't happen again," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who along with Bennett toured the flood-damaged areas earlier this year. "We know there is a real chance of more flooding early this summer."

The money will help restore watersheds and stabilize riverbanks damaged by the January floods. The bill will also allow local financial and technical resources, including in-kind materials and services contributed in the immediate flood aftermath, to count toward the program's 25 percent local match requirement.

The bill, which also includes funding for tsunami relief, enhanced border patrols and the global war on terror, passed in a 99-0 vote.

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