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Rep. Napolitano Recognizes World Water Day

March 22, 2016

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Rep. Napolitano addressed the importance of water infrastructure and policies to combat drought, speaking at the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies 2016 Water Policy Conference today.

(WASHINGTON, DC) Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) released the following statement in recognition of World Water Day:

"Today, March 22, 2016, is World Water Day, and we are reminded of the importance of this precious resource globally and in California. It also marks the second White House Summit on Water, a gathering of water leaders whose intent is to speak to the future of water management in the United States. We welcome the much appreciated water relief in the form of rain and snow to California, but we are far from replenishing our reservoirs and groundwater aquifers. Our diligence in conservation, efficiency, and wise water management must continue as the long-term prognosis for water in the West continues to diminish.

"During my time in Congress I have focused on building collaboration and cooperation between the federal, tribal, state, and local water agencies. We must ensure affordable and clean water for all, not just for selected groups. We must also take the opportunity World Water Day presents to strengthen our resolve to find ways to build water sustainability and expand our local and regional water portfolio.


"Leadership in water combined with research and innovative public private financing partnerships can provide a sustainable water roadmap for the future. So today when drinking a glass of water, think about where it comes from, how it is captured, transported, purified, and provided to you and your family. It takes many people to make the resource available, and together we can protect the quality, ensuring a reliable water supply for the future."


Napolitano, a long time champion of water recycling projects and a leader on California and national water issues, helped lead the effort last week to increase funding for the Clean Water Act State Revolving Fund (SRF) and the Drinking Water Act SRF programs to $2 billion each. She has also introduced H.R. 291, the Water in the 21st Century Act, which would provide $700 million in grants and $500 million in loans for water recycling, groundwater cleanup, stormwater projects, and water replenishment projects. Napolitano is the Ranking Member of 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, Power, and Oceans Subcommittee.

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