[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 18 (Friday, January 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE SAN GABRIEL RIVER WATERSHED STUDY ACT OF 2003

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                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 31, 2003

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce the San Gabriel 
River Watershed Study Act of 2003.
  This bill will direct the Department of Interior to do a special 
resources study on the San Gabriel River, and portions of the San 
Gabriel Mountains to look for ways that we might improve our open and 
green space.
  This study is vital to my community.
  Today, children in my district are living next to toxic waste dumps 
where their playgrounds amount to little more than concrete slabs.
  As a result of a poor environment, over 35,000 children suffer from 
asthma in the San Gabriel Valley--the largest number in the Los Angeles 
area.
  Twenty-five percent of our water is contaminated.
  And there is less then \1/2\ acre of open space per 1000 people--a 
number that is well below the national average.
  There is a growing concern that poor planning has resulted in 
environmental devastation in the San Gabriel Valley and in the 
foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.
  The threat of over-building on the last remnants of open space has 
increased concern about the cumulative impacts on what little remains 
of our natural resources.
  This concern has reached critical mass, sparking community action to 
form local conservancies and land trusts as part of a comprehensive 
solution to watershed protection.
  As many as ten State conservancies have formed or are being formed in 
the greater San Gabriel Valley.
  As a California State Senator, I was proud to join in the fight by 
authoring legislation that created the largest state urban conservancy 
in California, affecting over 3 million people.
  It is now time for the federal government to offer the next step of 
protection and revitalization in the San Gabriel Valley.
  This study is the first step in that venture.
  Last congress, this bill passed both the House of Representatives and 
the Senate unanimously but was unfortunately unable to be sent to the 
President because of time constraints.
  In light of Congress' past endorsement, it is my hope that this bill 
can pass this body early in the 108th Congress.
  The bill that I reintroduce today is the result of many hours of work 
with various stakeholders and emphasizes the special needs of the San 
Gabriel Valley, especially those related to flood control, drainage and 
public infrastructure.
  These compromises led to its endorsement by over 30 local governments 
and organizations.
  It is my hope that this incredible past support will translate into 
this bill's swift passage.
  Before I close, let me say thank you to former Resources Committee 
Chairman Hansen, current Resources Committee Chairman Pombo, Ranking 
Member Rahall, Chairman Radanovich and Members of the Resources 
Committee for assisting me in drafting this important bill.
  Their guidance is a testament to what is good about the legislative 
process and I look forward to continuing to work within that process 
this Congress.




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