Rep. Chu Votes To Pass Water Reuse, Clean Up, and Conservation Programs
Washington, DC – Today, the House passed S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. This bill authorizes water resources development projects and authorizes funding to address the Flint water crisis and other health threats associated with lead and other contaminants in public drinking water systems. Under this bill, Los Angeles, California will receive $373.4 million for ecosystem restoration on the Los Angeles River, and Flint, Michigan will receive $170 million in authorization for the drinking water crisis. The bill also provides $335 million in funding for storage and groundwater projects, in addition to other conservation and recycling projects. Rep. Chu released the following statement:
“As California continues to struggle with an historic drought, water reuse and conservation are becoming increasingly vital to the future welfare of our state. That is why I’m pleased the House was able to pass this vital bill today. This important and overdue package includes much needed funding for water reuse programs like WaterSMART and Title XVI. It also includes funding for the LA River Clean Up project, which will improve lives, opportunities, and communities for millions of people in our area. I’m also glad that we are finally acting on our responsibility to the most vulnerable by including support for the people of Flint who have been sickened by poisoned water through no fault of their own. I disagree with the way in which Leadership added the California drought provisions that were not included in the previous House or Senate passed versions of this bill. And while I do have concerns about the environmental impact that these provisions will have on vulnerable fish populations in the Delta, I am reassured by the many environmental safeguards included in this bill to ensure that its implementation will be consistent with the Endangered Species Act.”
An earlier version of this bill, H.R. 5303, passed the House by a vote of 399-25 with Rep. Chu’s support on September 29th, 2016.