Miller hails federal funding for water projects in California

$135 million authorized in Recovery Act now headed to water recycling programs to help ease drought, reduce demand on overstretched water supplies;

$20 million investment in Contra Costa will protect Bay-Delta fisheries and drinking water supply

Concord , CA – Millions of federal dollars will soon be flowing to California for environmental protection, drought relief, and water recycling projects from the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez), who led the congressional effort to authorize and secure funding for water recycling efforts in the Bay Area, hailed the announcement of federal funding made this morning in Sacramento by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

“This investment in water recycling represents a huge shift in federal priorities for California ’s urgent water needs,” Miller said today. “The $135 million approved by Congress and President Obama this year contrasts markedly from the $7 million President Bush requested for water recycling efforts during his last year in office. Thanks to the leadership of the President and Secretary Salazar, Californians will start to see the benefits of innovative water reuse and water recycling programs and how essential they are to drought-proofing our communities and creating a sustainable water supply for our future.”

The $135 million announced today is the highest single amount ever provided to the federal water recycling program. Bay Area cities like Pittsburg , which is actively pursuing a clean recycled water program to create a steady source of water, will be eligible to compete for the funds.

Salazar also announced $20 million for the construction of a fish screening facility at the pump station intake for the Contra Costa Canal , which will protect troubled Bay-Delta fisheries while improving water delivery by 20% for Contra Costa Water District customers. Miller fought for the fish screen funding, along with Reps. Ellen Tauscher and Jerry McNerney.

Salazar also announced $40 million for drought relief projects in California , including the installation of rock barriers near Franks Tract in the Delta, a pilot project that could significantly benefit the Bay-Delta ecosystem while improving water supply reliability for the state.

For more information, please visit: http://recovery.doi.gov.

baydelta economic recovery economy energyandenvironment natural resources water wildlife

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