[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 31 (Monday, March 20, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN:
  S. 2248. A bill to assist in the development and implementation of 
projects to provide for the control of drainage water, storm water, 
flood water, and other water as part of water-related integrated 
resource management, environmental infrastructure, and resource 
protection and development projects in the Colusa Basin Watershed, 
California; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


     COLUSA BASIN INTEGRATED RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN LEGISLATION

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce this bill 
which provides a comprehensive watershed plan to protect against 
flooding in the Colusa Basin. Last year such flooding caused 
approximately $4.9 million in damage. In 1995 a major flood caused an 
estimated $100 million in damages to public and private property and 
crops.
  This bill would provide the necessary authorization for the Secretary 
of Interior to participate in the Colusa Basin project on a cost-shared 
basis. The Colusa Basin project would build the necessary 
infrastructure (small impoundments) to catch flood water, control the 
rate of release, restore wetlands and vegetation and ultimately protect 
the area against flooding. This authorization is needed for the project 
to continue.
  I introduced an identical bill in the 105th Congress which passed 
both Houses of Congress but fell victim to the politics surrounding the 
omnibus budget bill. This bill once again enjoys bipartisan support.
  I urge Congress to consider this bill before the end of the 106th 
Congress.
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