WASHINGTON - Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) and Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-32), members of the House Natural Resources Committee, have reintroduced the Water Resources Research Amendments Act (H.R. 1663) 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.
“We need to give states and local governments the best information available when it comes to their water supply and water quality,” Rep. Wittman said. “The water resources research institutes find innovative solutions to local water challenges, allowing states to address those challenges using methods most appropriate for them. 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 urban storm water treatment and improved roadway design to address specific water quality and scarcity issues in the Bay and across the United States.”
“Whether California or Virginia, all of our states are facing water challenges that demand the newest scientific research and training methods,” Napolitano said. “Our bipartisan bill will boost these efforts, building on the strides San Gabriel Valley-based water scientists, engineers, and agencies have made in expanding Southern California’s water portfolio. I am proud to again partner with Congressman Wittman in putting forward legislation that will grow our water workforce while affirming the federal government’s partnership with states to solve our greatest challenges.”
H.R. 1663 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.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.
