[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 LEWIS AND CLARK RURAL WATER SYSTEM ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN R. THUNE

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 1997

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation that 
authorizes constructions of the Lewis and Clark rural water system. 
This system, when complete, will provide much needed, safe drinking 
water for hundreds of communities in southeastern South Dakota, 
northwestern Iowa, and southwestern Minnesota.
  I am proud of the citizens of South Dakota who have worked extremely 
hard on this project. They are to be commended. Nothing is more 
important to the health of South Dakota ranchers, farmers, and people 
living in towns and cities than the availability of safe drinking 
water. The bill I am introducing today will achieve that goal.
  In this day of fiscal austerity, only projects of the greatest public 
benefit can be brought forward. The Lewis and Clark rural water system 
is the only feasible means of ensuring that future supplies of high 
quality water will be available well into the next century. The Lewis 
and Clark rural water system will provide a supplemental supply of 
drinking water that is expected to serve over 180,000 people.
  Mr. Speaker, water development is a health issue, economic 
development issue, and a rural development issue. The ability of rural 
America to survive and grow is intrinsically related to the ability of 
rural and growing communities to provide adequate supplies of safe 
drinking water. Without a reliable supply of water, these areas cannot 
attract new businesses and cannot create jobs. The creation of jobs is 
a paramount issue to a rural State such as South Dakota. The Lewis and 
Clark rural water system will help assure job growth in the areas to be 
served.
  It is extremely difficult for rural communities and residents to 
maintain a healthy standard of living if they do not have access to 
good quality drinking water. This bill authorizing the construction of 
the Lewis and Clark rural water system with work toward this end.
  I urge my colleagues to take a close look at this legislation. Their 
support would be greatly appreciated.

                          ____________________