[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 127 (Wednesday, October 2, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WATER DESALINATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the reauthorization 
of the Water Desalination Act of 1996, included in H.R. 5460, the 
Federal Water Project Recreation Act which the House approved today.
  I am pleased that language from H.R. 4792, the reauthorization of the 
Water Desalination Act, which I introduced earlier this year has been 
included in the Federal Water Project Recreation Act. This legislation 
will continue an authorization of $55 million through 2008 for the 
Desalination and Water Purification Research and Development program 
(DWPR). The DWPR program has promoted important research to reduce 
treatment costs of previously unusable water sources such as brackish 
groundwater and coastal waters. These projects have proved to be 
valuable investments in helping to meet our nation's future water 
needs.
  Since its inception in 1996, the Desalination and Water Purification 
Research and Development program has helped fund research in 
cooperation with 20 universities and institutes of higher learning, 33 
local governments, and 59 domestic private sector organizations. In 
all, nearly 30 states are represented in a broad cooperation of both 
public and private organizations.
  Such cooperation has produced impressive results with the 
partnership's efforts making significant technological advances in the 
field of water desalination and water purification. Clean water is 
essential for the health of all Americans. As our population continues 
to grow and conventional water supplies become over used, we will need 
to look at new resources such as sea water to supplement our supply.
  I am pleased that with the reauthorization of the Water Desalination 
Act of 1996 my colleagues recognize the importance of desalination 
technology. This is a significant step forward in ensuring a safe and 
steady water supply for our nation.

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