Barbara Cubin: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2990, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Conservation and Improvement Act of 2001, will amend…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2990, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Conservation and Improvement Act of 2001, will amend Public Law 106-576. This legislation adds 14 new water conservation projects, increases study authorizations from $2 million to $8 million, and increases facility construction authorizations from $10 million to $47 million. The Rio Grande has been severely impacted, as have most areas in the west, by drought conditions during the last decade. Many of these drought conditions are the worse that have ever been seen, at least recorded. These droughts conditions have made it difficult to supply Rio Grande water to the 7 million people who depend on it. Implementation of significant improvements to irrigation canal delivery systems, aggressive water conservation programs, and improved water management are critical needs that must be taken seriously. H.R. 2990 will work within the existing framework of Public Law 106-576 to address these critical needs.”