| Washington, DC – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) voted today to pass H.R. 720, Reauthorizing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. This bill authorizes $14 billion over the next four years for the fund and provides low-interest loans to local communities for construction of wastewater treatment facilities and other water pollution abatement projects. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund has been the primary source of federal funding for clean water funding since it was created in 1987.
“These funds are important to state and local efforts to keep our communities supplied with clean and safe water,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “Without these federal loans many of our local water authorities in California would not have the resources necessary to ensure the continued safety of their water supplies.”
In recent years, the Republican controlled Congress slashed funds for clean water needs. Republicans cut funding from $1.34 billion in FY04 to $887 million in FY06, a cut of 34 percent. The President has proposed even further cuts in his FY08 budget proposal with California standing to lose $4,842,000 in federal funds. This bill is widely supported by local and state organizations, including: the National Conference of State Legislatures; the National League of Cities; the National Association of Counties; Clean Water Action; National Association of Clean Water Agencies; and, the American Public Works Association.
“I’m proud to support this bill,” continued Rep. Lofgren. “Over the years we have made significant progress in improving water quality across the country but we must continue to make improvements. Many of our cities are still plagued by antiquated water systems and face increasing environmental threats to our water supplies. Congress has taken a solid step forward in protecting our communities’ access to clean water.” |
