[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2189-E2190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL URBAN WATERSHED MODEL RESTORATION ACT

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 5, 1997

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the National Urban 
Watershed Model Restoration Act, a bill which will establish a new 
approach to restoring urban waters. This pilot program, to be 
administered by the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], will serve 
as a national model for the restoration of urban watersheds and 
community environments. To achieve more focused and rapid action, the 
new program will integrate the various regulatory and nonregulatory 
programs of

[[Page E2190]]

the EPA with other Federal, State, and local programs to restore and 
protect the Anacostia River and promote community risk reduction. EPA 
is to coordinate its efforts with other Federal partners, particularly 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In addition to addressing a major 
local environmental concern, this model program will provide a 
framework for urban communities around the Nation to work towards 
sustainable community redevelopment and to meet national environmental 
goals.
  Under the new program, EPA shall allocate a total of $750,000 per 
year over the next 4 fiscal years to implement the provisions of the 
model program. EPA may authorize no less than $400,000 per year in the 
form of grants, which are to be matched on a 75-25 basis with other 
Federal funds and State, local, and private contributions.
  The Anacostia River has been my top environmental priority since 
coming to Congress in 1991. I realize that restoring a river requires a 
long-term commitment. I am committed to whatever time and effort it 
takes to restore the river that runs through our neighborhoods. I am 
particularly pleased that all of the regional Members of Congress whose 
districts encompass the Anacostia River, Representatives Connie 
Morella, Steny Hoyer, and Albert Wynn, recognize the importance of this 
effort and have become original cosponsors of this legislation.

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