Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) secured funding in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water for a number of key commerce and environmental projects today. The Energy and Water Development Act of 1998 includes money for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary; the San Francisco Bay Area Water Reclamation Study; and the Winter-Run Chinook Salmon Program, among others (see table, page 2). "Individually and as a group, these projects represent an important investment in the San Francisco Bay, its tributaries, and the commerce that is sustained by these waterways," Pelosi said.
The Bay-Delta Program is slated to receive the largest share of Bay funding, $120 million dollars as the first of three installments called for in the California Bay-Delta Environmental Water and Security Act. The money will be used to fund a balanced, comprehensive and lasting plan to restore the ecological health and improve water management in the Bay-Delta system. "The San Francisco Bay-Delta is one of the most important ecosystems in California, if not the nation," Pelosi said. "Millions of birds migrate through and live in the Bay-Delta Estuary, as do more than 53 species of fish. Some 20 million Californians rely on it for much of their water. It sustains farms, ranches, fishermen, and recreation."
The Drift and Debris Removal Project and the dredging of the Main Shipping Channel are integral to the flow of commerce and navigational safety on the Bay. Approximately 450 tons of debris is taken from the Bay annually. The amount of drift is expected to be in excess of 2,000 tons because of the severe flooding in Northern California this year. "San Francisco is blessed with one of the most desirable and protected harbors in the world. But it requires vigilance and money to maintain it as a cherished part of our landscape and important player in our city's economic health and well being," Pelosi said.
All of the projects are ongoing and the funding amounts are consistent with Rep. Pelosi's commitment to their completion. The funding breakdown is as follows:
Congresswoman Pelosi thanked Subcommittee Chairman Joseph McDade and ranking Member Vic Fazio for their support.
