Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Chairman, this amendment seeks a modest amount of dedicated funding for the repair and maintenance of existing equipment in the migrating fish screen program.

Fish screens are an important part of the water supply infrastructure of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta that help to protect fish in the delta ecosystem. These fish screens work to prevent fish from being drawn into various locations in the Bay-Delta Watershed where our water supply takes in water. Fish screens in the delta are particularly important for protecting multiple species listed or threatened as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, including salmon, steelhead, and delta smelt.

Fish screen components operate under water and are constantly exposed to stress and damage that wears them down and makes them less effective. Without proper upkeep, debris, sediment, and changes in temperature can create gaps or holes in the screening material and damage cleaning mechanisms.

While I appreciate that in its report the Appropriations Committee has recognized the need for continued support of the fish screen program overall, it is important that we include money specifically for the maintenance and repair of existing equipment. My commonsense amendment helps us to do that, I urge my colleagues to support it.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's comments, and I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source