Calvin Dooley: “I, too, join with all of our colleagues in commending the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. McDade) and the gentleman…”

“I, too, join with all of our colleagues in commending the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. McDade) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Fazio) for the tremendous work they have provided on behalf of this country. I understand that this year we had one of the most difficult decisions and conflicts in trying to move the appropriations bills forward because of the tight fiscal constraints they were working under. It was very clear in the energy and water appropriation bill, which I support, that we were in a situation where we were not able to fund any new starts because we had to meet the priorities of continuing our funding for ongoing projects. Given the tight fiscal constraints, I greatly appreciate the efforts of my colleagues on the committee to provide much needed funds for other high priority water resource development and flood control projects that are vital to the safety and well-being of the residents of the San Joaquin Valley. However, I will continue to work to secure funding to address a particular flooding problem along a river referred to as the White River. The situation there is dire, and Federal assistance is vital to achieving a long-term solution. This past February the area around Earlimart in Tulare and Kern Counties was flooded for the fifth time in 40 years. State and Federal disaster assistance was granted to assist the town of 5,000 residents. It is this project which we need to fund at least for a reconnaissance study.”