Rep. Napolitano's Statement on Water Infrastructure

Statement

Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano made the following statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act:

Mr. Chairman, I too rise in strong support of H.R. 3080. As speakers before have said, I thank the Chairmen and Ranking Members of both sides, especially the Chairmen and Ranking Members' supporting provisions requested that will help the state of California.

Section 131 requiring the Corps to review and report on improving water supply options at Corps dams in arid regions such as California. Section 135 allows the Corps to use federal funds to prevent and manage aquatic invasive species on Corps projects, including quagga mussels, shore crab, and foreign algae. Not only a major California problem, but a problem for many rivers and other dams. They are very costly, and it will allow the Corps to assist our local agencies in combating invasive species.

Section 125 requiring the Corps to re-issue regulations regarding levee vegetation and incorporate regional characteristics and levee performance. Some of the water agencies are complaining that the Corps may be a little heavy handed and not looking at good science when requiring the removal of trees and bushes from our levees. It would require the Corps to work with local agencies to solve this problem in a regionally appropriate and scientifically proven way.

Sections 106 and 109 provide more flexibility for local agencies to sponsor Corps projects. That means accept funding. Section 201 allows for expanded use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, and we are asking for an "Aye" vote on this. Thank you.

H.R. 3080 was passed by the House today with large bipartisan support by a vote of 417-3. Napolitano is a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment. Her full floor statement can be viewed here.

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