Dale Bumpers: “Yes, I believe they are. The CSREES water quality programs are intended to help investigate the impacts of non-point…”

“Yes, I believe they are. The CSREES water quality programs are intended to help investigate the impacts of non-point source pollution and recognize the public's concern about the possible risks to the environment resulting from the use of agricultural chemicals. Therefore, the purpose of the RRWMC's activities are clearly consistent with the goals of the agency's water quality research mission. Further, I understand that the RRWMC has been able to leverage non-federal funds on a ratio of about two to one. Given current budget constraints, this accomplishment is to be commended especially in recognition of the fact that the CSREES water quality grant has received nearly $48 million in appropriations since 1990 and has only been able to leverage approximately $1 million per year during that time. The record of RRWMC in leveraging non-federal funds is, therefore, all the more impressive and worthy of these federal dollars. In view of the important ongoing work of the RRWMC on the important issues of water quality protection, their cooperative relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, and their ability to leverage non-federal resources, I believe the conferees would agree that RRWMC should be able to secure funding of, at least, last year's level in the coming fiscal year.”