Norman D. Dicks: “this is one of the tougher issues in our bill. I feel that we are inadequately funding the State revolving grants, and…”

“this is one of the tougher issues in our bill. I feel that we are inadequately funding the State revolving grants, and this program goes out to each of the States and they are able to make loans to the local communities at low interest rates in order to fund projects that are crucially important. I know in my own district I have got cities like Shelton and Hoodsport, Belfair, Tacoma, all of which depend on this source of funding. STAG grants are important, and I support the program. I wish we could do more in both areas. It is just unfortunate that, unlike when EPA was first created, we had 3 or $4 billion of funding for grants at a 90-10 Federal match; and yet we moved away from those programs. I do not believe we are funding this adequately. This means less money to the States and then less money goes out to the communities. I hope that as we go further in the process we can find a way to help correct this problem. The gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) has his approach, which I am supporting; and I think this is one of the jobs that appropriators have to do. We have to make difficult choices, and this is a very difficult choice; but I think it is the correct one.”