(WASHINGTON, DC) Reps. Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-32) and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), members of the House Natural Resources Committee, have introduced the Water Resources Research Amendments Act (H.R. 4497) to extend a Federal-State partnership aimed at addressing state and regional water problems, promoting distribution and application of research results, and providing training and practical experience for water-related scientists and engineers.
“This legislation continues the commitment and partnership between the federal government and the states to collaborate and share costs on efforts to tackle short- and long-term water challenges,” Napolitano said. “The coordination between academia, the states, and the federal government is a measured approach, combining the best of our talents and knowledge to address our nation’s water issues in a cost-effective and timely manner. New funding opportunities will greatly expand our water portfolio in Southern California and across the country, helping grow our water workforce for the future and delivering the most current data to combat drought.”
“Independent review has confirmed that the benefits the Water Resources Research Institutes provide in Virginia and in other states far outweigh the expenditures,” Wittman said. “This grant matching program has been instrumental, for example, in efforts across Mid-Atlantic states and in the Commonwealth to keep the Chesapeake Bay and our other water resources clean. Its localized approach has resulted in the development of innovative solutions—like urban storm water treatment and improved roadway design—to address particularized water quality and scarcity issues in the Bay and across the United States.”
H.R. 4497 would authorize $9,000,000 annually over five years for grants to water resources research institutes and require two-to-one matching with non-federal funds. It would also promote exploration of new ideas, expand research to reduce energy consumption, and bolster reporting and accountability requirements.
Napolitano continues to emphasize the importance of dialogue between all sectors and utilizing the latest research and technology in developing a sustainable water future, holding public forums in Los Angeles County with leaders of industry, government, and academia. She is the Ranking Member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment and a current member and former Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Water, Power, and Oceans Subcommittee.