Washington, DC – Rep. Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in favor of the Inland Empire Water Recycling Project (H.R. 122), which will provide federal funding for the planning, designing and constructing the Inland Empire’s regional water recycling project in cooperation with the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA).  Rep. Baca co-sponsored the legislation and Rep. David Dreier introduced it.  The House passed the bill tonight.

Rep. Baca said, “The Democratic majority is committed to making clean water a priority, and this week the House will be taking up several water bills that are important for the Inland Empire.  This bill has bipartisan support, and Rep. Dreier deserves credit for introducing it.”  

Noting that the House of Representatives passed it last year, but it did not make it through the Senate, Rep. Baca said, “I think the chances are much better now with Senators Boxer and Feinstein able to make sure the Senate leadership gives the bill full consideration.”

The legislation would authorize the U.S. Department of Interior to spend $20 million to help the IEUA build a local water recycling project.  The federal funding therefore would be 10% of the project’s total cost.  Recycled water could be used for agriculture, construction, landscaping and other commercial purposes, thereby preserving fresh drinking water for Inland Empire residents.  

Rep. Baca said, “Our communities are growing so fast but our water supply is limited.  Recycling water is one way to help meet our region’s needs.”

The bill has been endorsed by the cities of Fontana and Ontario as well as area community, business and environmental groups.  In addition, the Metropolitan Water District, Southern California Water Committee, Association of California Water Agencies and the Governor have all endorsed it.  

Rep. Baca serves on the Water and Power Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee and has been a leader in Congress to get federal funding to clean up water sources in Inland communities including Colton, Fontana and Rialto that have been contaminated by perchlorate.