Water Resources Development Act Of 1992 Amendment

Floor Speech

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1992 AMENDMENT -- (House of Representatives - December 08, 2009)

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Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1854, amending the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to modify a project in the vicinity of Big Bear, California.

The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 was enacted in November 2007. Included in the bill is a project that authorized assistance for the city of Big Bear, California. As authorized, the bill provided $15 million of assistance to the city to construct a wastewater treatment facility.

Since enactment, however, the city has decided against constructing the project and would instead use the authority to upgrade its water supply distribution system at a lower cost than originally authorized. The new cost of the project is $9 million.

This project is especially critical to this region of California which is typically subjected to catastrophic wildfires. Upgrades to the water supply in the vicinity of Big Bear would increase water pressure at peak demand periods and improve water quality.

It's not often that a Member of Congress asks us to cut authorized levels of funding for their congressional district. This bill is an act of good governance and truth-in-budgeting.

I want to thank Representative Lewis for his leadership on this issue and urge all Members to vote in favor of H.R. 1854.

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