House Approves Dreier Water Clean Up Bill

December 11, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC - The House of Representatives has approved a water clean up bill sponsored by Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA). H.R. 123, the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Initiative was approved by the House with a unanimous vote today. It will continue efforts to keep the groundwater supply in the San Gabriel Valley safe. "The San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund has a proven track record of success," Dreier said. "I am proud to say that this partnership is an example of good stewardship of taxpayer money. Making sure we maintain a safe drinking water supply is critical priority for all of us. I am gratified by the continued support this initiative has received."

H.R. 123 extends by $61.2 million the authorization of federal funds for the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund, created in 2000 by Dreier’s enacted legislation to help clean up perchlorate contamination and provide safe drinking water to Southern California. The San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA) will receive $50 million and the Central Basin Municipal Water District will receive $11.2 million. The initial federal authorization was $85 million, most of which has already been allocated to the ongoing clean up. The estimated total cost of clean up is now $1 billion. With the additional federal assistance that Congressman Dreier’s bill provides, the federal investment is 14 percent of the total cost, which reflects that this is an extraordinarily cost effective federal project.

"H.R. 123 will allow us to continue the progress we’ve made," said Greg Nordbak, WQA Chairman. "The additional funding it provides for the Restoration Fund is crucial to the continued operations of our treatment facilities."

"The positive impact of the Restoration Fund and Congressman Dreier’s efforts can be seen by the minimal financial impact the cleanup has on local residents," said Michael Whitehead, President of the San Gabriel Valley Water Company and Board Member of the WQA.

Congressman Dreier also thanked Water and Power Subcommittee Chairwoman Grace Napolitano for her work on H.R. 123, her co-sponsorship of the bill and her continued support for the ongoing clean up. "Chairwoman Napolitano recognizes the importance of the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund. I commend her for her leadership on this issue."

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