For Immediate Release                                       Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256
March 5, 2003

Napolitano Convenes First Water and Power Subcommittee Hearing

Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA38) held her first hearing today as the Ranking Member on the Water and Power Subcommittee of the House Resources Committee. The hearing focused on the Bureau of Reclamation’s budget request for FY2004. “I am concerned about the Bureau of Reclamation’s budget proposal, particularly its resistance to new and proven technologies to help improve the quantity and reliability of water supplies in California and throughout the West,” Napolitano said in her opening statement.

According to Napolitano, the Bureau’s budget proposal deviates drastically from its mission, which was set by Congress twelve years ago. “The Bureau was given clear authority from Congress to provide technical and financial support to help communities implement water recycling projects,” the Congresswoman stated. The Bureau budget seeks only $12.6 million for water recycling, a sharp decline from the $36 million Congress appropriated this year. “If you review their proposed budget numbers, it is not hard to conclude that the Administration is openly hostile to water recycling,” Napolitano commented.

The Bureau’s budget has severe consequences for California. “This budget comes at a time when Californians are being mandated to live on less water. We need a federal commitment to water recycling now more than ever,” Napolitano said.

There are many local concerns regarding this budget as well. “The Bureau’s $1.3 million request for water quality projects to remediate contamination of groundwater in the San Gabriel and Central Basins of Southern California is inadequate. My constituents need clean drinking water, and I will not allow the Bush administration to push our needs aside,” stated Napolitano.

The Bureau proposes $11 million for four new initiatives, including an expansion of water desalination research. “This does not make sense! The Bureau of Reclamation does not explain why or how desalination became a “core mission” over water recycling, or when this decision was made, or by whom!” the Congresswoman noted. She concluded by expressing dismay that, “The Bureau has proposed an overall decrease in funding for reuse and desalination programs combined. This represents misplaced priorities.”

Representative Grace F. Napolitano, 38th District of California
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