Washington, DC - Today several San Antonio Congressmen announced that they have obtained $500,000 for the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) to replace and expand the water and wastewater infrastructure. San Antonio has more than 9,000 miles of water and sewer mains buried below the 560 square miles that the SAWS serves.

Representatives Ciro Rodriguez (TX-23), Lamar Smith (TX-21) and Charlie Gonzalez (TX-20) worked to have the funds included in the FY 2008 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

        "We are grateful to Congressman Rodriguez, Congressman Smith, and Congressman Gonzalez for their support of this project.  We especially thank Congressman Rodriguez who, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, marshaled this funding through the legislative process.  Their bipartisan effort on behalf of San Antonio residents is commendable, and we will benefit from their diligence in helping SAWS ensure the safety and environmental integrity of our wastewater system.  We will continue working with our Congressional delegation to ensure that San Antonio enjoys the highest quality water and wastewater services in the nation," David E. Chardavoyne, SAWS President and CEO

                The Texas Representatives made the following statements after passage of the bill from the Committee on Appropriations:

Congressman Ciro Rodriguez: "As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am proud to work with my fellow San Antonians to support SAWS and the expansion of high quality water resources in the Alamo City.  By working together, our San Antonio Representatives have paved the way for a cleaner environment and water for San Antonio."

Congressman Lamar Smith: "We are happy to have this funding for essential wastewater improvements. These funds will benefit San Antonio and its citizens by improving the efficiency of our city's wastewater infrastructure. This is a good example of a bipartisan delegation working together to help our city."

Congressman Charlie Gonzalez: "I'm grateful that the committee has included vital funding in this year's appropriations bill for a program of such great importance to the San Antonio community.  I look forward to continuing to work with the rest of the San Antonio delegation to ensure that SAWS receives the proper resources it needs through out the course of this project." 

        The bill will now be headed to the House floor for consideration.