Central Valley congressman renews push for water conservation

WASHINGTON, D.C.
January 25, 2011 7:37am

Innovative projects that encourage water conservation, recycling, reuse, and reclamation could get federal financial support under a proposal authored by Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, whose district includes portions of the Central Valley.

The measure introduced in Congress this week is the same as his bill that was approved by the House of Representatives last year only to die in the Senate.

H.R. 395 would provide $125 million in grant funding for projects that increase the usable water supply by encouraging innovation.

“Given the fragile state of California’s water supply, it’s crucial that we invest in ways to increase our water availability,” says Mr. McNerney. “I’ve visited water recycling and other innovative projects in our community and I’ve seen firsthand the potential these initiatives have to create jobs and increase the stability of our area’s water supply.”

H.R. 395 is expected to be referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, chaired by Rep. John Mica, R-Fla.