Rick Allen: “As far as that is concerned in bonding and hypothecating expected revenues from the Federal Government, it is a risky…”

“As far as that is concerned in bonding and hypothecating expected revenues from the Federal Government, it is a risky business for State governments or local or regional municipal waterworks anyway. As I understand it, the Senator is trying to make sure we are allocating scarce taxpayer resources; we are making a priority. Obviously, on drinking water--and that is not affected by this--in the wisdom of the Senate, the House, and the Federal Government, they said--before the Presiding Officer and I were in the Senate, but it made sense--let us make sure the money is getting to those who need it the most. The same logic is applied in the measure of the Senator from Arizona, as far as wastewater is concerned, which is very important for recreation, for water treatment and, obviously, for our enjoyment and health. It seems to me the Senator from Arizona is moving forward, making sure, when the survey is done next year, it will utilize a needs assessment, not outdated population figures that are 20 or 30 years old, and making sure we are getting the funds to the areas that need it the most.”