Napolitano Holds SoCal Stormwater Forum
(San Dimas, CA) On Friday, November 18, 2016, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) held a public forum with local residents and leaders of industry, government, research, and academia in the City of San Dimas to discuss how to achieve a sustainable water future for Southern California while meeting stormwater regulations.
"Southern California residents, cities and water agencies have made extraordinary efforts to tackle our current drought by conserving water and implementing alternative water supply projects, such as water recycling, stormwater capture, and groundwater management," Napolitano said. "We are so grateful to our speakers whose time and expertise are invaluable contributions to the discussion. As a product of forums like this one, I have introduced multiple bills in Congress to support our constituents by investing in these cost-effective, long-term solutions to address the drought and stormwater crisis. Congress must act to provide a sustainable water supply for our future and create good paying jobs in water construction and operations."
The forum was the combination of a series of workshops Napolitano has held on the Los Angeles County Municipal Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit and forums on developing a sustainable water future for Southern California. Eleven speakers and panelists offered proposals as to how to expand Southern California's water portfolio in a sustainable manner, stressing the importance of collaboration.
"It was great to come together with the Congresswoman today to hear about all of the exciting stormwater projects that are going to be important solutions to help with our drought conditions," said Dr. Adam L. Smith, Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California School of Engineering. "I was happy to be here representing USC to share the different campus initiatives we have to collect and reuse stormwater."
"As we work collaboratively to address our stormwater needs, the power comes through sharing resources and maximizing the inclusiveness of compliance," said Dr. Alex Rojas, Superintendent of Bassett Unified School District. "Whether between cities, counties, school districts, or universities, increasing the amount of compliance opportunities would be beneficial to all."
"It is wonderful to be brought together in a forum like this where we can share ideas," said Alexandra Paxton, Program Manager at the Water Foundation. "The solution to our stormwater quality issues and our water supply issues is only going to be achieved through collaboration and shared out of the box thinking."
"I was happy to participate in the SoCal Stormwater Forum having been invited to share the vast and professional experience of our 30,000 hardworking, well-trained men and women, as it relates to the stormwater issue in California," said Robert Lizarraga, Marketing Representative at LECET (Laborers Employers Cooperation and Educators Trust) Southwest. "We look forward to being a vital and important partner in utilizing our resources in bringing viable and realistic solutions to this issue."
Approximately 100 people attended the forum with the goal of continuing a water conversation and setting a different tone in addressing Southern California's water future. Panelist presentations and discussions among participants also highlighted ongoing challenges the region faces in working toward a sustainable water future.
"One of the most important things to recognize about Southern California is we live in a highly variable climate," said Dr. Julie Kalansky of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, UC San Diego. "We are very dependent on extreme events both for water supply, which also present potential hazard risks and can cause flooding."
"A new approach to water is necessary to meet our goals," said David Wegner of Jacobs Engineering. "Through water forums we bring together our water managers, students, researchers and public officials to synergize our knowledge and experiences to create a better water future for SoCal."
Napolitano is the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment and a current member and former Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Water and Power Subcommittee.
All presentations by panelists can be viewed at napolitano.house.gov/issue/socal-stormwater-forum-presentations-panelists.
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