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For Immediate Release Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256 Napolitano Convenes Hearing on Her San Gabriel Basin Groundwater Cleanup Bill The House Water and Power Subcommittee convened a hearing today on four bills, including Ranking Member Grace Napolitano’s H.R. 1284. “This bill would raise the allowable federal funding level for the San Gabriel Basin Demonstration Project by $12.5 million. This project has been enormously successful — bringing together local and state governments and the business community to clean up groundwater contamination. With more funding it can expand to benefit more of our local communities,” explained Napolitano (D-CA38). In 1992 Congress authorized the Bureau of Reclamations to provide 25% federal matching funds for projects which combine groundwater cleanup with expanded water supply storage. “The opportunity for increased federal matching funds will allow the expansion of the current groundwater cleanup project to include the cities of Industry, El Monte, South El Monte and others in our area,” stated the Congresswoman. The effects of this bill could be far reaching. “An expansion of the cleanup project will protect a source of drinking water for over 1 million residents of the San Gabriel Valley, decreasing our dependence on other sources of water. Further, it could also provide a needed economic stimulus to the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding communities. By eliminating the stigma of contamination and providing and protecting the water supply, we are taking a critical step to help attract more businesses to our area and help current businesses thrive,” Napolitano commented. “I thank Chairman Calvert for scheduling a prompt hearing on this legislation that is so important to my constituents. I also thank Rep. Solis, who testified in support of H.R. 1284, and Rep. Dreier for cosponsoring this bill. It is a bipartisan effort that will benefit all of our communities, and I hope that it will soon be brought up for a vote in the Subcommittee and sent to the full Resources Committee,” concluded Napolitano. The hearing also examined the following bills: H.R. 135 by Rep. Linder to establish the “21st Century Water Commission” charged with crafting a long-term water management plan; H.R. 495 by Rep. Renzi to approve a consensus plan regarding water rights claims negotiated between the State of Arizona, the Zuni Indian Tribe, local water agencies and a local power company; and H.R. 901 by Reps. Ose and Doolittle to authorize federal funding to construct a bridge adjacent to the Folsom Dam.
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