Congressman Adam Schiff

California's 27th Congressional District

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 13, 2002

Contact:  Paul Hubler (626) 304-2727

 

HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES SUPPORT FOR PASADENA-GLENDALE WATER REUSE PROJECT AND ARROYO SECO RESTORATION STUDY

$775,000 in federal funds sought by Rep. Schiff is approved

PASADENA, CALIF. (August 13, 2002) – Congressman Adam Schiff today announced that a House Appropriations Subcommittee has approved federal funding support for a joint Pasadena-Glendale project to treat and reuse wastewater to irrigate parks in Pasadena and for a feasibility study of restoring the Arroyo Seco to a more natural state.  The Energy and Water Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee approved the funds, $675,000 for the water reclamation project and $100,000 for the Arroyo Seco study.

“I am pleased that the Subcommittee has recognized the importance of these worthy local projects,” said Congressman Schiff.  “As Teddy Roosevelt recognized, the Arroyo Seco is a magnificent gem that should be preserved for future generations, and that should be restored as a natural oasis for all to enjoy while ensuring adequate flood control measures.  In addition, I applaud Pasadena and Glendale for working together to treat and reuse wastewater for landscape irrigation.  Living in our dry climate requires such regional, cooperative and innovative approaches to conserving water.”

The Arroyo Seco Watershed study would examine the feasibility of restoring the Arroyo Seco to enhance water resources and quality and restore habitat while also improving flood and stream management.  The study, to be conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers, was brought to Congressman Schiff’s attention by the Arroyo Seco Foundation.

Pasadena’s Joint Water Reclamation Project with Glendale would generate and direct additional reclaimed water to parks in Pasadena and would be funded through the Water Reclamation and Reuse program of the Bureau of Reclamation of the U.S. Department of the Interior, established in 1902 to construct dams and water projects in the Western United States.

After Congress reconvenes in September, the appropriations bill must next be approved by the full House Appropriations Committee, then on the House floor and then by a Senate-House conference committee.  “The appropriations process can be long and arduous, and we have a number of hurdles to overcome before the funding is guaranteed,” said Congressman Schiff.  “But I feel we have made a great start on behalf of these terrific projects.”

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