[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SAN JOAQUIN RESTORATION SETTLEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, today, I submit to the House bipartisan 
legislation, the ``San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act,'' 
which implements an historic water settlement to resolve an 18-year 
lawsuit to restore a salmon fishery on the San Joaquin River.
  The settlement legislation achieves two coequal goals: it restores 
the San Joaquin River and secures water management objectives to 
mitigate water losses to farmers in the restoration process. These two 
elements are crucial to the success the Act, and they are to be 
implemented in tandem.
  The main reason I became involved in this issue last year was to 
ensure a stable water supply for Valley farmers. With that premise, the 
provisions in this measure were designed to make certain that water 
supply levels will remain manageable for farmers as the river is 
restored. It was also important to me that impacts to third parties, if 
any, be minimal and voluntary and the negotiators worked hard to create 
such language.
  The landmark bill introduced today gives the people of our Valley a 
say in how the river is restored, as opposed to waiting for an 
uncertain outcome from the Federal court. This solution is science-
based and included involvement from individuals throughout the Valley, 
the State and Federal agencies.
  The significance of this bill cannot be understated. Over the past 
year and a half, countless hours have been spent in developing this 
measure, and I commend all those involved in this balanced resolution. 
I especially want to express my appreciation to the Friant Water Users 
Authority, Natural Resources Defense Council, Department of Interior, 
Department of Justice, the Department of Commerce and numerous third 
parties who were involved in the development of this bill.
  I also thank Senator Feinstein, who has introduced an identical bill 
in the Senate, for her steadfast commitment to this measure along with 
the members of the Valley delegation.
  I'm dedicated to the passage of this measure in Congress and will 
work toward that end until it is signed into law.

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