Issue Position: Energy/INEEL - Water

Issue Position

Those of us in Idaho and the West understand the value of water to our families, businesses, farms, ranches, communities and overall economy. That is why I am a strong supporter of the supremacy of state water law, and my Congressional record reflects this commitment to local governance of natural resources.

In my efforts to assert state supremacy of water law, I have introduced two pieces of legislation dealing with state water rights. These bills are designed to ensure the federal government pays all fees when claiming water rights in a state adjudication and force the federal government to comply with all state laws whenever it seeks to appropriate water or acquire a water right within a state.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am also working to assist Idaho's communities in meeting their drinking and waste water needs. I've been successful in securing funding in the House of Representatives for the following Idaho projects:

1. $2 million for the City of Burley's Wastewater Treatment System Project. This is the fourth installment of federal funding for a new wastewater treatment facility which would help the community attract new businesses and create new jobs;

2. $1.9 million for the Coolin Sewer District's Wastewater Facility Upgrade Project. The funding will help the District improve its current system, which is more than 30 years old, and protect the ecosystem of the Priest Lake area;

3. $300,000 for the City of Horseshoe Bend's Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements. The funding will help the city upgrade its wastewater treatment plant to address operational problems and allow for city growth;

4. $250,000 for the Upper St. Joe Water Distribution Line Project in St. Maries. The funding will help address waterline leakages and conserve source water;

5. $270,000 for the Bureau of Reclamation to offset contract renewal costs for Lucky Peak water users. Many of the 40-year contracts are set to expire over the next 2-3 years;

6. $800,000 for the Coeur d' Alene Basin Commission through the Environmental Protection Agency;

7. $100,000 for Critical Groundwater Supply for the Palouse Basin through the Environmental Protection Agency;

8. $500,000 for the City of McCammon's Wastewater System Improvements through the Environmental Protection Agency;

9. $400,000 for the City of Middleton's Water and Sewer Utility Extension through the Environmental Protection Agency;

10. $900,000 for the City of Jerome's Aquifer Protection Project through the Environmental Protection Agency;

11. In addition, the House Energy and Water funding bill approves funding contained within President Bush's budget request for operation and maintenance of Albeni Falls Dam, Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, and Lucky Peak Lake. The bill also approves funds for the Corps of Engineers' Minidoka area projects and Boise area projects, and $15 million for the Columbia and Snake River Salmon Recovery Project;

12. $250,000 to the city of Pocatello for its Basalt and Groundwater Protection Project to conserve water in the Lower Portneuf Valley Aquifer through the U.S. Department of Agriculture;

13. $500,000 for the Spokane Valley/Rathdrum Valley Aquifer study through the U.S. Department of the Interior.

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