Degette: Veto of WRDA Foolish

Press Release

DEGETTE: VETO OF WRDA FOOLISH

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO) today issued the following statement after President George W. Bush vetoed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2007 conference report:

"President Bush's veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is foolish - WRDA not only ensures the continued viability of America's water resources and infrastructure, but it has also achieved overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress. This is just the latest example of the President trying to score political points despite the bipartisan work on this Congress.

"This Act is critical to Colorado's water infrastructure needs such as the restoration of our waterways. The provisions I secured will restore the riparian habitat, enhance recreational opportunities, and improve water flow along the South Platte River. I am confident Congress will override the President's veto."

U.S. Rep. DeGette secured two major financial and language provisions in the WRDA bill. DeGette secured $13,065,000 for further environmental restoration for the Denver County Reach of the South Platte River. It provides for $13,065,000 million in federal funding, along with $7,035,000 million in local funding. This ongoing cleanup project will restore the riparian habitat, enhance recreational opportunities, and improve the scenery around the Platte. In terms of language, DeGette was also able to secure language important to Coloradans relating to the Platte River and Chatfield Reservoir. This language change would allow increased water storage at Chatfield reservoir to be used for environmental restoration. This will improve water flow along the Platte, which would enhance the Platte redevelopment efforts and help to meet municipal and agricultural water supply needs.

The House of Representatives has scheduled a veto override vote on Tuesday.

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