Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010--Continued

Floor Speech

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2010--Continued -- (Senate - July 28, 2009)

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Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I support the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2010. This bill provides critical investments that will support the development of clean and alternative energy and utilization of domestic energy resources. Further, this legislation provides much needed resources to improve our Nation's water infrastructure.

This bill fosters American innovation in clean energy and energy efficiency. It supports worthy programs that further hydrogen, wind, hydropower, and solar technologies, as well as weatherization assistance for families and programs for building and industrial technologies. These programs better our Nation's security and economy by putting people to work advancing energy independence and sustainability.

I am very pleased that working with the senior Senator from Hawaii, we were able to include $6 million in this legislation for the Hawaii Energy Sustainability Program at the University of Hawaii's Hawaii Natural Energy Institute. This funding will allow for the continuation of the program's important work supporting increased use of clean, safe sources of energy. We must continue to invest in the development and implementation of systems to allow for a transition away from foreign oil. As Hawaii relies on imported oil for about 90 percent of its energy needs, work to facilitate this transition is critical to the State's energy security. Moreover, the Hawaii Energy Sustainability Program will provide economic development benefits and will further research valuable in applications both in Hawaii and nationwide.

This bill will also help address water infrastructure needs around the country. Provisions contained within the bill permit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct essential navigation, flood control, and environmental restoration projects. Such projects are particularly important for Hawaii, given our remote geography and our interconnected and diverse ecosystems. I appreciate the inclusion of nearly $14 million for Hawaii water development and infrastructure projects.

As Hawaii is susceptible to threats from severe weather and flooding, I was proud the bill contained specific provisions addressing this need. Working with Senator Inouye, $1 million was included to assist the State of Hawaii and Pacific Territories with updating and preparing comprehensive flood plans. Also, much needed funding for the Ala Wai Canal and Waiakea-Palai Stream flood damage reduction projects is included in the legislaiton. On Oahu, accumulation of silt and debris from the Manoa, Palolo, and Makiki streams has significantly reduced the carrying capacity of the Ala Wai Canal. Funding of $233,000 has been provided to complete necessary studies that will mitigate and reduce flooding threats to property and roads in the Waikiki and neighboring areas, while ensuring public safety and enhancing human and environmental health. Given the damage to roads, residences, bridges, drainage systems, and personal property over the years due to the flooding of Waiakea and Palai Streams, $300,000 has been included to initiate the Precontruction Engineering and Design phase needed to minimize flooding in the affected communities.

We know from experience that investment in wise stewardship and management at a watershed level will have a significant positive impact on numerous natural resources. For the island of Maui, I was involved in securing $100,000 for the West Maui Watershed to initiate a study that may ultimately result in additional watershed improvements. A completed reconnaissance study for the area has already identified flood damage reduction, aquatic and marine ecosystem restoration, and shoreline protection projects that could be undertaken by the Corps of Engineers along with county and State agency partners.

Further, recognizing that shoreline erosion threatens upland development and coastal habitats along much of Hawaii's shoreline, I worked to include $500,000 for a regional sediment management demonstration program to better understand the dynamics of complex coastal processes and promote the development of long-term strategies for sediment management. These
resources will assist in protecting communities from severe weather and further conservation efforts in coastal communities.

I am encouraged by the inclusion of provisions that will invest in our science and technology sectors and enhance U.S. competitiveness. It is vital that we support the research and development of sustainable and clean energy technologies. Such efforts empower us as a country to reduce our reliability on foreign oil and strengthen our ability to meet our energy needs domestically.

In conclusion, I thank the senior Senator from Hawaii, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, as well as the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Energy and Water Development Subcommittee for their efforts in developing and managing this bill through the legislative process.

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