Rep. Napolitano Votes for Stimulus Package, Investment in Water Infrastructure
ep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA) voted to approve HR 7110, the Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act of 2008, a $60.8 billion economic stimulus package that makes important investments in our nation's water infrastructure, including $126 million for critical water recycling projects to help California and other Western states that have been severely affected by drought. The funds will be administered through the Bureau of Reclamation's water reclamation and recycling program, known as Title XVI, to assist communities in securing their long term water supply.
The legislation passed by a vote 264-158 on September 26, 2008.
"The current drought situation makes this investment more important than ever," said Rep. Napolitano. "Repairing and expanding our water infrastructure is vital to our economy. This legislation will create jobs in the short term and make our water supply more secure by helping address the long term issues of drought and global climate change. It also assists the Bureau of Reclamation to address an backlog of almost $500 million in congressionally authorized projects."
As Chair of the House Water and Power Subcommittee and a Co-Chair of the Congressional Water Caucus, Rep. Napolitano has been a leader on water conservation and recycling. She contacted Chairman David Obey (D-WI) and ranking member Jerry Lewis (R-CA) of the House Appropriations Committee this summer to explain the importance of investing in our nation's water infrastructure.
Rep. Napolitano thanked Chairman Obey and Rep. Lewis for helping make sure that these critical funds were included in the legislation.
"The new, Democratic Congress is taking water issues very seriously," Rep. Napolitano added. "By investing in recycling, we can reduce Southern California's dependence on the Bay Delta and move towards true water security."
The bill also invests renewable energy and energy efficiency, affordable housing, our highways and public transportation.
The legislation will now go to the Senate for consideration.
Source