Committee Passes Davis Bill to Promote Alternative Water Sources

 

WASHINGTON, DC – As the summertime heat sets in, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has taken an important step toward addressing nationwide water shortages by passing Congressman Jim Davis’ bill to promote alternative water source projects.

                         

H.R. 1359 would extend a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant program that provides funds for alternative water source projects, such as water reuse and reclamation projects for municipal, industrial or agricultural uses.  The bill authorizes $125 million for the program and would require grantees to acquire a 50 percent match to federal funds.

 

“With Florida’s population growing by nearly 900 residents a day, our communities are rapidly depleting precious groundwater supplies,” said Congressman Jim Davis.  In Southwest Florida, the average person uses as much as 124 gallons of potable water a day. 

 

“This legislation provides communities with an important tool to meet expanding water demands, preserve fresh water for drinking and tap into alternative water sources for commercial and outdoor watering purposes,” Davis added.

 

The grant program, originally created in 2000 by Senator Bob Graham and Congresswomen Karen Thurman and Tillie Fowler, expired last year.