For Immediate Release                                       Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256
April 3, 2003

Napolitano’s San Gabriel Basin Groundwater Cleanup Bill Passes Subcommittee

Grace Napolitano (D-CA38), Ranking Member of the House Water and Power Subcommittee, secured passage of her first bill by that panel this Congress.  H.R. 1284, which was given a Subcommittee hearing two days ago, passed with unanimous support.  “My bill would raise the allowable federal funding level for the San Gabriel Basin Demonstration Project by $12.5 million.  This project has been enormously successful — bringing together local governments, water agencies and the business community to clean up groundwater contamination,” explained Napolitano.

In 1992 Congress authorized the Bureau of Reclamations to provide 25% federal matching funds for projects which combine groundwater cleanup with expanded water supply storage.  “The opportunity for increased federal matching funds will allow the expansion of the current groundwater cleanup project to include the cities of Industry, El Monte, South El Monte and others in our area,” stated the Congresswoman. 

The effects of this bill could be far reaching.  “An expansion of the cleanup project will protect a source of drinking water for over 1 million residents of the San Gabriel Valley, decreasing our dependence on other sources of water, including the Colorado River, Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Delta.  Further, it could also provide a needed economic stimulus to the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding communities.  By eliminating the stigma of contamination and providing and protecting the water supply, we are taking a critical step to help attract more businesses to our area and help current businesses thrive,” Napolitano commented.

“I thank Chairman Calvert for scheduling a prompt hearing and vote on this legislation that is so important to my constituents.  I also thank Ranking Member Solis, who testified in support of H.R. 1284, and Chairman Dreier for cosponsoring this bill.  It is a bipartisan effort that will benefit all of our communities, and I hope that it will soon be brought up for a vote in the full Resources Committee,” concluded Napolitano.

Representative Grace F. Napolitano, 38th District of California
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