Members Announce Funding for Local Water and Energy Projects

House Authorizes $359 Million for Silicon Valley Projects

Media Contact: Pedro Ribeiro, 202.225.3072, Pedro.Ribeiro@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC — Reps. Zoe Lofgren (CA-16) and Mike Honda (CA-15) have secured the authorization of $359 million for local water development projects in H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. The bill, which passed the House by a vote of 394 to 25, also addresses issues relating to the Army Corps of Engineers’ missions and responsibilities.

“These projects are essential to the safety and prosperity of Silicon Valley’s residents,” stated Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “The funding authorized in this bill is an investment in the future of one of our nation’s most economically important areas. This bill also demonstrates the new Congress’s commitment to our nation’s water infrastructure needs. We cannot allow our nation’s basic infrastructure needs to be ignored.”

“This bill authorizes funding for critical Silicon Valley flood control programs, environmental protection initiatives, and water supply reliability projects,” said Rep. Mike Honda (CA — 15). “It is my duty to ensure the safety and security of area residents and businesses. I believe that these measures will go a long way to achieving this goal.”

The funding authorized for San Jose area projects includes:

Upper Guadalupe River: Authorizes $244.5 million for protecting commercial and residential interests in downtown San Jose and improving the quality of the Guadalupe River.

Llagas Creek: Authorizes $105 million for flood protection improvements that will protect 1,100 homes, 500 business, and over 1,300 acres of agricultural land.

South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Study: This project will restore up to 25 square miles of habitat and provide flood protection to businesses in low-lying areas.

Santa Clara County Advanced Recycled Water Treatment Plant: Authorizes $5.5 million which will help provide a reliable, constant supply of high quality recycled water for industry and irrigation to support sustainable, urban water use and protect Silicon Valley’s economy.

San Francisco Bay/Santa Clara Desalination Project: Authorizes $4 million for increasing water supplies in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

In addition the bill authorizes 51 projects relating to flood damage reduction, navigation, hurricane and storm damage reduction, and environmental restoration, including the navigation and ecosystem restoration project for the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway system, an Everglades restoration project, and the program for protecting, conserving, and restoring the Louisiana Coastal area.