Water Resources Development Act Of 2007

Floor Speech

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - April 19, 2007)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support for the reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act. I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar, Ranking Member Mica, Subcommittee Chairman Johnson and Ranking Member Baker for their hard work in getting this legislation to the floor.

It has been too long since the water resources bill has become law, and it is important that we continue to move this and make this reauthorization a reality. Projects authorized in this bill are critical to our national waterways transportation system that businesses and industry in every State and congressional district rely on to move their products.

In my State of West Virginia, a well-maintained system of navigable waterways is crucial to moving coal from our mines to plants across the country to power this Nation's economy. The bill addresses local needs. I am pleased that this legislation recognizes the important water and wastewater challenges in West Virginia by continuing the authorization for the Central West Virginia Environmental Infrastructure Program.

This program has provided access to clean water and wastewater treatment to many rural West Virginians who otherwise would be without these critical utilities. I am pleased that this Corps of Engineers program will be able to continue assisting local public service districts to address these important community needs.

I want to thank the committee for their hard work. I look forward to the final passage and the President's signature on this bill.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source