[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 180 (Tuesday, November 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E 2173]]


INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR 
     TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ALAMEDA COUNTY WASTEWATER REUSE PROJECT

                                 ______


                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 1995

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, today I take great pride in introducing 
legislation authorizing Federal involvement in the design and 
construction of a water reuse project in southern Alameda County.
  The Alameda County Water District and the Union Sanitary District 
provide drinking water supplies and wastewater treatment services 
respectively to the California cities of Newark, Fremont, and Union 
City. By the year 2030, the combined service area water demands are 
expected to increase by 44 percent. The anticipated increase in demand, 
the scarcity of available water supplies, and an increased awareness of 
the importance of protecting our natural resources led the two 
districts to form a joint program to develop and implement the Alameda 
wastewater reuse project.
  In order for this project to proceed, a limited amount of Federal 
assistance will be required. It is for this reason that I, today, am 
introducing legislation authorizing the water reuse project for Federal 
assistance under title XVI of Public Law 102-575.
  In 1991, the Alameda County Water District and the Union Sanitary 
District jointly sponsored a water reuse survey to determine the 
potential for use of reclaimed water in southern Alameda County. The 
survey concluded that a water reuse project would provide an 
environmentally sound water resources management program, facilitate 
continued economic activity and general growth in the communities, and 
also serve as a model for other urban joint projects throughout the 
arid west. No less important, this project will complement other 
Federal, State, and local government efforts to restore San Francisco 
Bay's water quality.
  In 1993, the two districts developed a reclaimed water master plan. 
Based on the plan, the two districts determined that design and 
construction of the Alameda County wastewater reuse project would be 
feasible and would meet the objectives of ensuring a sound and growing 
economy while promoting sound stewardship of limited water resources. 
Specifically, the project would:
  Reduce demand on potable water supplies that could be used more 
efficiently for human consumption and natural resource needs;
  Reduce wastewater discharges into the San Francisco Bay, thereby 
complementing regional, State, and Federal efforts to improve the bay-
delta's water quality;
  Ensure a reliable water supply for industry and other nonpotable 
purposes that will not be subject to cutbacks mandated by Federal and 
State requirements during periods of drought; and
  Reduce the need for expansion of current drinking water and 
wastewater treatment facilities' capacity.
  Based in part on the successful test of a pilot scale facility, this 
project enjoys broad support from the cities, school districts, and 
numerous industries, including high technology companies that depend on 
a reliable water supply. The project is also endorsed by the 
Association of California Water Agencies.
  As I said before, water demands are expected to increase 
significantly over the next several years. With almost 85 percent of 
southern Alameda County's water supply imported it is important that we 
recognize that we need to leverage every possibility we have to 
maximize our local water resources. The Alameda County wastewater reuse 
project provides us with that opportunity.
  The reclamation project has undergone necessary studies and it is 
ready to proceed to design and construction. Only with Federal 
assistance can the project take the next step and my legislation puts 
that in motion.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Resources 
Committee on the legislation and hope they can support this key 
component of the San Francisco Bay area's water resource management 
program.

                                 H.R.--

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. ALAMEDA COUNTY WASTEWATER REUSE PROJECT.

       (a) Authorization.--The Secretary of the Interior is 
     authorized to enter into agreements under the Reclamation 
     Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (43 
     U.S.C. 390h et seq.) with the Alameda County Water District 
     and the Union Sanitary District of Alameda County and other 
     appropriate authorities to participate in the design, 
     planning, and construction of water reuse projects to treat 
     effluent from the Union Sanitary District, in order to--
       (1) provide new water supplies for industrial, 
     environmental, landscape, and other beneficial purposes;
       (2) reduce the demand for potable imported water; and
       (3) improve the water quality of the San Francisco Bay-
     Delta.
       (b) Cost Share.--The Secretary's share of costs associated 
     with any project described in subsection (a) shall not exceed 
     50 percent of the total cost of that project. The Secretary 
     shall not provide funds for operation or maintenance of any 
     such project.

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