Nacimiento Project Included in Water Resources Bill

Nacimiento Project Included in Water Resources Bill
Thomas-Backed Provision Authorizes $25 Million

A North County water project will be eligible for $25 million if federal water legislation approved by the U.S. House of Representatives is signed into law.

At the request of Congressman Bill Thomas, the Water Resources Development Act, which passed by a vote of 406 to 14, authorizes $25 million to be spent on the Nacimiento Water Project, which will increase the amount and reliability of water supplies delivered from Lake Nacimiento to the communities of Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton, and San Luis Obispo. In addition, the project will benefit San Luis Obispo County's agriculture by helping to preserve the area's existing groundwater supply.

"The authorization approved by the House is a prerequisite to federal assistance as San Luis Obispo County communities work to meet their future water needs," said Thomas.

In order for federal monies to begin flowing to the Nacimiento Water Project, funds will have to be included in future federal appropriations bills. However, the inclusion of the project in the legislation passed today was necessary because Corps of Engineers projects must be authorized before funds can be spent.

The Water Resources Development Act now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

http://billthomas.house.gov/News.asp?FormMode=Detail&ID=265