Congresswoman Matsui Introduces Legislation to Provide Federal Funding for Regional Water Recycling Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 14, 2014
CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Introduces Legislation to Provide Federal Funding for Regional Water Recycling Project
Legislation would allow Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District to increase its water recycling programs
Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) introduced legislation that would allow the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (Regional San) to expand its water recycling programs by making a portion of its recycled water available for environmental or agriculture supply needs. Congressmen John Garamendi (CA-03) and Ami Bera (CA-07) are cosponsors of this legislation.
"As the State of California faces yet another dry year, a variety of sustainable approaches are needed to solve our state's water problems. This legislation will allow Regional San to leverage federal investment to implement a water recycling project that will deliver benefits to the Delta and our region," said Congresswoman Matsui. "The District's water recycling project, and this legislation, will help our region conserve water in the future, especially when we have crippling droughts like the one we are currently experiencing."
The legislation authored by Congresswoman Matsui will increase the wastewater recycling programs of SRCSD for habitat and agricultural purposes. It would authorize the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to provide up to $30 million dollars through their Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (Title XVI) to Regional San to build the required infrastructure.
andquot;The current drought has highlighted water insecurity of the Sacramento region and requires us to seek and develop more innovative and sustainable sources of water including recycled water,andquot; stated Prabhakar Somavarapu, District Engineer for the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District. andquot;Congresswoman Matsuiand#39;s continued support can help make this goal a reality.andquot;
andquot;Sacramento Regional San is a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainability, and the South County Ag Recycled Water Project reflects that vision,andquot; stated Regional San Board Chairman and Sacramento County Supervisor, Don Nottoli. andquot;This bill will help leverage the huge investment made by our rate payers and assists Regional San in meeting its goal of protecting the Delta while implementing solutions which address federal, state and local objectives."
"We're pleased to see the leadership of Representative Matsui in driving federal attention and action towards innovative projects like the Sacramento County agricultural water reuse, groundwater recharge and habitat restoration project. If we are to build drought resilience and sustainability into smarter water management strategies in California and the West, these types of multi-benefit projects provide an essential model and a positive direction for the Bureau of Reclamation," said Jay Ziegler, Director, External Affairs andamp; Policy of The Nature Conservancy.
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