[Vision2020] Fw: WATER PROJECT FUNDING HEADED FOR IDAHO

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-----Original message-----

From: "Crapo News Release \(Crapo\)" newsclips at crapo.senate.gov
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 10:00:14 -0700
To: 
Subject: WATER PROJECT FUNDING HEADED FOR IDAHO

 

  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:     Crapo    (202) 224-5150

May 17, 2007
Craig     (202) 224-8078


 

            

WATER PROJECT FUNDING HEADED FOR IDAHO 

Senate passes Water Resources Development Act 

 

Washington, DC - Idaho communities may soon see new projects related to
water, flood control and recreation now that the Senate has approved the
Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA).    Idaho Senators Mike
Crapo and Larry Craig included a number of Idaho projects in the
legislation, which was approved on a vote of 91 to 4.  Craig is a member
of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which crafted the
bill.  

 

The WRDA legislation authorizes priorities for projects under the
purview of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including flood control,
ecosystem improvements and recreational projects.  Idaho's senators
included language expediting permits and for repair work at Lower
Granite Dam.  Specific projects named in Idaho include:

 

*	Boise River - Studies on flood control, ecosystem restoration
and water supply;

 

*	Little Wood River - Rehabilitation of the Gooding Channel
Project for the purposes of flood control and ecosystem restoration; 

 

*	Dworshak Reservoir - Improvements for recreation near Orofino
including improved boat ramps, fishing access and campground upgrades;

 

*	Port of Lewiston - Allows for port officials to consider
increased recreational and commercial opportunities.

 

*	Drinking and Waste Water Infrastructure - An increase from $25
million to $55 million for the purposes of assisting rural communities
in constructing drinking and wastewater infrastructure;  

 

*	Eurasian Milfoil study - Eurasian Milfoil is an invasive aquatic
plant that is particularly troublesome in North Idaho.  This study
covers Vermont and other Northern tier states;  

 

*	McNary Lock and Dam, McNary National Wildlife Refuge, Washington
and Idaho - Directs the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over the
land acquired for the McNary Lock and Dam Project and managed by the
Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

 

*	Snake River project, Washington and Idaho - Modifies the Snake
River Project, Oregon and Washington to amend the Fish and Wildlife
Compensation Plan for the Lower Snake River, Washington, and Idaho and
authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies and implement ecosystem
restoration and improvements for fisheries and wildlife.

 

*	Columbia and Snake Rivers waterway projects - Numerous water
improvement projects on the Snake and Columbia Rivers will assist North
Idaho farmers in getting their products to market.

 

 

 "The future use of, and amount of water available in, the Boise River
drainage is a critical issue for immediate study and the WRDA
legislation addresses this issue," Crapo noted.  "Improvements will also
be made at two of Idaho's premier recreation areas, Dworshak Reservoir
and Lake Pend Oreille."

 

Craig said, "Idaho wouldn't be the great State we know without
developing our water resources.  It isn't a one-time effort, which is
why enacting this bill is so important.  Idaho, and our country, will
benefit with the improved infrastructure."

 

The U.S. House passed similar legislation in April.  The bill now must
be reconciled with the House version before becoming law.   

 

 

 
#  #  #  

To directly link to this news release, please use the following address:
http://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/release_full.cfm?id=27448
1

 

......................................................................

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Subject: WATER PROJECT FUNDING HEADED FOR IDAHO
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 13:00:14 -0400
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