Contact: Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Monday, October 6, 2003

SPRINGFIELD, MO Senator Kit Bond today met with area leaders about plans to improve water quality in the Springfield area. Bond also announced that he secured $1 million in federal funds for the local watershed improvement project.

"I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish in Washington. I have been able to bring home money and help implement programs to improve Missourians' water quality," said Bond. "We have come a long way in improving the quality of our water, but we still have a ways to go," said Bond.

The funds Bond secured to improve the area's water quality will be used to construct a Community Watershed Education and Demonstration Institute in Springfield. This facility will demonstrate watershed science and improved watershed management techniques for students, water professionals and the public. The building will be a state-of-the-art "green" facility, incorporating new and innovative building materials, as well as water and energy efficiency techniques and demonstrations. The 100-acre site and its surrounding five-square mile sub-watershed will furnish water quality and watershed development, research opportunities through partnerships with local universities, emphasizing the effects of development in karst watersheds.

As chairman of the VA-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee, Bond secured $1 million in funds for the Valley Water Mill project in the fiscal year 2004 VA-HUD spending bill. Bond also secured $450,000 for the project in fiscal year 2003.

"I appreciate working with local community leaders and I will continue to ensure the voices of southwest Missouri are heard in Washington," said Bond. "I look forward to our continued partnership and working to ensure that families, communities and all Missourians get the clean water we deserve."

Bond served Missouri twice as Governor and now continues his service to Missourians in the United States Senate.