Washington, D.C. - The House -Senate Conference Committee approved $6.5 million for perchlorate contamination cleanup Wednesday as part of the Defense Appropriations for fiscal year 2005. Rep. Joe Baca (D, Rialto) requested the funding, along with Senators Boxer and Feinstein. 

The Conference Committee report includes spending for perchlorate clean up projects, including: $4 million for a bioremediation demonstration project in Rialto, through the Environmental Security Technical Certification Program; and $2.5 million for the Inland Empire Perchlorate Task Force request for well-head treatment. 

"This funding will bring immediate financial relief for a problem that has plagued our communities for too long," said Rep. Baca. "This will provide our families with the safe and healthy drinking water they deserve. I am glad that Congress has finally acknowledged a problem that has been an economic burden and a health threat to our communities." 

Now that the funding has passed the conference committee, it is expected to easily pass the House and Senate. The House will vote on it today. 

"This funding is only the first step. We need long-term relief. That is why I am urging Congress to pass the Southern California Groundwater Remediation Bill, which I introduced. My bill will more than quadruple the funding the committee approved today," said Rep. Baca. 

Rep. Baca's bill will create a fund administered by the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation, that will assist in the funding and implementation of groundwater remediation. It will support areas covered by the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority. Rep Baca's bill will alleviate the economic burden of perchlorate cleanup on the community. It has been approved by the House Resources Committee, and now must go to the House floor for a vote. 

Perchlorate is a chemical that is a main ingredient in rocket fuel. It has been found in 20 states, including California. It has been linked to thyroid damage and may be especially harmful to infants and developing fetuses. Perchlorate in water supplies is left over from former military sites, defense contractors and other industries.

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