[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 WATER AND ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE VITAL TO MAINTAINING GUAM'S WATER 
                                QUALITY

                                 ______


                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 1996

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House has passed 
H.R. 1743, which reauthorizes the Water Resources Research Act and 
provides funding for the water research institutes program.
  H.R. 1743 authorizes funds for the 54 water resources research 
institutes located at land-grant universities in the states and 
territories. The institutes are an effective way for the Federal 
Government to assist local communities in solving local and regional 
water problems. No other source of funding provides this kind of 
assistance to water research efforts which directly address water 
quality and supply problems.
  These institutes conduct research on water resources which are 
valuable to the nation and vital to areas struggling with a limited 
water supply. Because of Guam's small land mass and growing water 
demand, our water lens is being stretched to maximum capacity. 
Potential contamination of this water lens mostly due to contaminated 
soil on military and former military lands, has heightened concern over 
our already limited water supply.
  In addition, this program's modest Federal investment leverages 
significant state and private sector funding. In fiscal year 1995, 
Federal funds for the institutes helped secure $65 million in 
additional funding from a variety of sources.
  The research is provided by the Water and Energy Research Institute 
of the Western Pacific (WERI) is applied to real and ongoing water 
management problems on Guam. Our understanding and use of modern water 
technology will be vital in our effort to increase Guam's water 
capacity. These institutes are integral to the proper protection and 
development of our water resources.
  I am pleased that the members of this body have recognized the 
importance of these institutes and afforded them the opportunity to 
continue their outstanding work.

                          ____________________