| (Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin joined fellow Democrats this week in focusing on environmental priorities. In addition to voting for three water quality improvement bills this week, he began work to secure funding for additional conservation efforts.
“Ensuring a safe and adequate water supply is a top priority of mine, as it is for all Rhode Island families,” said Langevin, a Water Infrastructure Caucus member. “We must work now to ensure the natural resources we depend on and enjoy continue to be vibrant for years to come.” The following is a summary of this week’s water quality legislation:
H.R. 569 - Water Quality Investment Act of 2007 authorizes $1.8 billion over the five-year period from FY 2008 through FY 2012, for sewer overflow control grants provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These grants would be used by municipalities to plan, design and construct treatment works to address combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer overflows. The Narragansett Bay Commission would be eligible to receive funding for its Combined Sewer Overflow project in Providence.
H.R. 700 - Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007 authorizes $125 million for an EPA pilot program that provides grants to fund projects intended to provide water from alternative sources in an environmentally sustainable manner by conserving, managing, reclaiming, or reusing water or wastewater, or by treating wastewater.
H.R. 720 - Water Quality Financing Act of 2007 authorizes $14 billion between FY 2008 and FY 2011 for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which provides money to states for local water infrastructure projects. The measure also authorizes an additional $2 billion through FY 2012 for three other existing clean water programs run by the EPA. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund has experienced significant funding cuts in recent years, and President Bush's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2008 would mean a loss of $2,654,000 in CWSRF funding to RI. H.R. 720 would reverse those trends and help address the backlog of important clean water projects in our communities.
Also this week, Langevin pledged to work toward:
Providing $100 million in funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) state and local grant program and $100 million to the Forest Legacy Program. These programs help ensure that all Americans have access to land for fishing, hunting, hiking and other forms of recreation.
Securing funding for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), which has been successful in leveraging non-federal funds to protect, restore, and manage wetland habitat for fish and wildlife while producing a number of economic and environmental benefits.
Providing $600,000 in funding for each estuary in the National Estuary Program, which ensures the continuation of successful local programs to restore, protect and enhance our nation’s invaluable estuarine resources. Narragansett Bay is considered an estuary of national significance.
Increasing funding for State and Tribal Wildlife Grants which provide resources to implement strategic, effective wildlife conservation programs aimed at keeping wildlife from being endangered.
Increasing funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in FY2008 to support our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes and increase the Sea Grant appropriations.
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Clean Beaches Week, which highlights the importance of a clean beach environment for travel and tourism opportunities, local economy and outdoor recreation.-30-
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