James M. Jeffords: “I rise before you today as a cosponsor of the Crapo amendment to increase the funds available for the clean water and…”

“I rise before you today as a cosponsor of the Crapo amendment to increase the funds available for the clean water and the drinking water State revolving funds. The nation's rivers and lakes are our most precious natural resource for drinking water and environmental protection. The Budget Amendment offered by Senators Crapo, Sarbanes and Jeffords would provide $3.2 Billion in budget authority for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF). State Water Pollution Control Programs are in significant need of these funds. The CWSRF has been an extremely effective and efficient mechanism to address point and nonpoint sources of pollution. Increased capitalization not only will protect the environment and public health, but also create jobs and provide funds for securing the nation's water infrastructure. Analysis suggests that at least $3 Billion is needed annually to adequately capitalize the Fund.”