THIS SEARCH     THIS DOCUMENT     THIS CR ISSUE     GO TO
Next Hit        Forward           Next Document     New CR Search
Prev Hit        Back              Prev Document     HomePage
Hit List        Best Sections     Daily Digest      Help
                Contents Display

[Page: S1347]  GPO's PDF
---

   Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Madam President, I am pleased to join my colleagues on the Environment & Public Works Committee in introducing the Water Investment Act of 2002. The introduction of this bill to provide clean water for our nation comes in the year that we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. When I became chairman of the committee in 1999, one of my top priorities was a renewed commitment to our nation's water systems and the Americans served by them. Since that time, the committee has held a number of hearings, both at the subcommittee level, chaired by my good friend from Idaho, Senator CRAPO, and at the full committee level. I am pleased that Senators JEFFORDS and GRAHAM have continued to make this a priority in their new roles as full committee and subcommittee chairmen. Today that effort culminates with the introduction of this bipartisan piece of legislation that will address the many water infrastructure problems facing our local communities.

   So much of our nation's water infrastructure is aging and in desperate need of replacement. Coupled with the aging problem is the cost burden that local communities face in order to comply with ever increasing State and Federal clean water mandates. This bill addresses these problems and makes structural changes to ensure that we avoid a national crisis now and in the future.

   I am a strong advocate of limited government and when it comes to water infrastructure , I do not believe the primary responsibility of financing local water needs lies with the Federal government. I am equally adamant, however, that the Federal government shouldn't place unfunded mandates on our local communities. This bill recognizes both of these principles and strikes a responsible balance. The legislation authorizes $35 billion over the next five years in Federal contribution to the total water infrastructure need to help defray the cost of the mandates placed on communities. This is a substantial increase in Federal commitment, but not nearly as high as some would have preferred. Even so, this commitment does not come without additional responsibilities. When the Clean Water Act was amended by Congress in 1987, a debate I remember well, we set up a revolving fund so more federal money would not be required. The fund would continually revolve providing a continual pool of money for water needs. Unfortunately, many officials did not meet their commitment to properly plan for future needs and what was not to be Federal responsibility became a Federal necessity. Now we are faced with a near crisis situation. This bill makes certain that we do not go down that road again. The Federal government will help to defray the costs of Federal mandates, but with the new money comes a new requirement that all utilities do a better job of managing their funds and plan for future costs. The Federal trough

[Page: S1348]  GPO's PDF

   We also make additional structural changes to the law both to address financial concerns and to help achieve improved management of these water systems. One such change to the Clean Water Act is to incorporate a Drinking Water Act provision that allows States, at their discretion, to provide principal forgiveness on loans and to extend the repayment period for loans to disadvantaged communities. This flexibility will provide help to communities struggling with high combined sewer overflow cost to secure additional financial help. This bill also promotes other important cost saving measures that many communities are ready experimenting with throughout the country.

   Finally Madam President, New Hampshire is the midst of our worst drought in 50 years. In an effort to help communities facing water shortages, this bill directs the U.S. Geological survey to assess the state of water resources. The USGS is then to share with localities information on water shortages and surplus, planning models and streamlined procedures for local interaction with federal agencies responsible for water resources. This type of information will be helpful to New Hampshire communities facing a severe water shortage.

   I am pleased that Republicans and Democrats worked together to introduce this bipartisan bill to address one of the very urgent needs of the nation. It will be a tremendous help to many struggling communities in New Hampshire and across the country. It is my hope that we can move it through the committee process and see it passed by the Senate in short order. Madam President, I want to express my appreciation to Senator CRAPO, who has been my partner in this for over two years. I also want to thank Senators JEFFORDS and GRAHAM for their work in getting us to this point--their leadership will be crucial in getting this bill to the President's desk.

THIS SEARCH     THIS DOCUMENT     THIS CR ISSUE     GO TO
Next Hit        Forward           Next Document     New CR Search
Prev Hit        Back              Prev Document     HomePage
Hit List        Best Sections     Daily Digest      Help
                Contents Display