[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 49 (Thursday, April 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 COMMENDING THE GOVERNMENT OF BULGARIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I commend the leadership of the government 
of Bulgaria for its ongoing interest in and support for modernization 
of the Maritza III East thermal plant. I urge the sitting Parliament in 
Sofia to express their support for this project by granting, all 
necessary government approvals before their scheduled dismissal prior 
to the upcoming, general elections. This will ensure that this 
important project can move forward expeditiously and successfully.
  The Maritza III East thermal plant project has benefits that are well 
documented and widely-acknowledged at the local, regional and national 
levels. When the refurbishment work begins, more than $75 million in 
local goods and services will be purchased and more than 600 
construction jobs will be created.
  Regionally, refurbishment of the Maritza III East power plant will 
reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by as much as 90 to 95 percent. The 
refurbished power plant will meet the emissions requirements of the 
World Bank, European Union, the Bulgarian government, which in turn, 
will fulfill important criteria for Bulgaria's ultimate entry into the 
European Union. Also at the regional level, the joint venture (Entergy 
& NEK) company that will operate the rehabilitated power plant will 
provide direct and indirect tax revenues to Bulgaria and to the 
Galabovo municipality in the Stara Zagora region.
  On a broader scale, modernization of this power plant will have 
several positive impacts on Bulgaria's national economy. Long-term, 
modernization of this power plant will move Bulgaria closer to 
competitive energy independence.

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