Dodd, Lieberman Praise Veto Override for Water Resource Development Act

Press Release

-Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) commended the enactment of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, which became law today when the Senate joined the House of Representatives in reversing the President's veto of the bill by a vote of 79-14.

This important piece of legislation will help Connecticut communities by authorizing $55 million in spending for water resource projects that ensure the safety and cleanliness of our water supplies, restore aquatic habitats, and improve the navigation of Connecticut's working harbors.

"This bill should have been passed long ago," said Dodd. "Today the members of this Congress came together in a bipartisan fashion to override President Bush's misguided veto and passed a bill that will help provide Americans with clean drinking water and give communities across the country much needed funding for critical infrastructure projects. Passing this bill represents an investment in economic development and clean water in towns across Connecticut and will help fund the restoration of fragile ecosystems in Long Island Sound."

"The passage of this bill is long overdue," said Lieberman. "The President was wrong to veto this legislation, and I praise my colleagues for overturning his veto. WRDA authorizes critical funding for essential water resource projects not only in Connecticut, but nationwide. For example, I have been a strong advocate for the restoration of Long Island Sound, and I am concerned that Connecticut's oyster population has decreased rapidly in recent years. This bill will allow Connecticut to address these concerns. Restoration of the Mill River ecosystem and riverfront will substantially reduce the risk of flooding for the residents of Stamford. Funding for these projects will enable the careful maintenance and preservation of the environment in our state."

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