[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SAN JOAQUIN RIVER RESTORATION SETTLEMENT LEGISLATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be an original 
cosponsor of Mr. Radanovich's legislation to authorize implementation 
of the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement.
  Enacting this legislation will allow the San Joaquin River--the 
second-longest river in California--to once again have the water it 
needs to support a viable salmon fishery. If enacted, the San Joaquin 
River will be a living river decades after the Bureau of Reclamation 
built Friant Dam.
  Putting water back into a dry river in California is a very 
complicated and controversial task. A number of ``third parties'' have 
now come forward to express concerns that their own particular 
interests may in some way be detrimentally affected by this settlement 
and its proposed legislation, and ask that this legislation be 
restructured to eliminate or minimize their concerns. It is entirely 
appropriate that this legislation addresses those concerns. As we 
consider the implications of enacting this restoration legislation for 
the San Joaquin River and the need to protect a variety of interests, I 
am mindful of and remain committed to progress in implementing and 
funding the December 19, 2000, Trinity River restoration record of 
decision and the Hoopa Valley Tribe's comanagement of the decision's 
important goal of restoring the fishery resources that the United 
States holds in trust for the Hoopa Valley Tribe.
  The San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement legislation is 
tremendously important for all of California. The settling parties, 
along with Senator Feinstein, Congressman Radanovich, and many other 
concerned and affected parties have worked long and hard to bring this 
settlement to Congress all making concessions, and deserve our 
recognition and appreciation. I will continue to work with my 
colleagues and do whatever I can to help ensure the enabling 
legislation is enacted.

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