WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps voted with 360 of her Republican and Democratic colleagues to override President Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), H.R. 1495.  This important legislation authorizes water projects across the U.S. including two projects in San Luis Obispo County.  Although WRDA is intended to be authorized every two years this legislation has not been enacted since 2000, creating a backlog of critical infrastructure projects requiring federal authorization.  Earlier this year the legislation passed both the House (381 to 40) and the Senate (81 to 12) with strong bipartisan support. 

At the request of San Luis Obispo County officials, Congresswoman Capps obtained an authorization of $35 million for the construction of a wastewater treatment facility in Los Osos.  Los Osos does not have a sewer system.  Instead, each household has an individual septic tank.  Due to its location next to the Morro Bay National Estuary and the absence of a centralized wastewater treatment system, Los Osos is being required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the State Water Quality Control Board to replace the current septic system, and cleanse Los Osos’ groundwater basin to ensure clean and safe water for the residents of Los Osos and to protect the neighboring Morro Bay National Estuary. 

“This is important progress for the Los Osos community,” said Capps. “I have worked tirelessly to get federal help for the community to develop a much needed wastewater treatment facility.  This authorization is a critical step in obtaining more federal funding for the construction of this project.”

The bill also includes a $3 million credit authorization for the Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) to cover costs incurred in the design, permitting and environmental studies of its desalination project. 

 “The community of Cambria faces a serious risk to its water supply due to drought and MTBE contamination and I am pleased to be able to respond to Cambria’s calls for federal assistance,” said Capps.  “This desalination project will ensure that Cambria residents who depend on the CCSD will have access to safe and clean water.”

The CCSD is undertaking this major desalination project to mitigate the potential impacts of MTBE contamination and provide insurance against inadequate ground water supplies. Currently, the community draws its water from wells in shallow aquifers along the San Simeon and Santa Rosa Creeks, which are subject to the vagaries of seasonal rainfall and are unable to provide a reliable water source. High levels of MTBE have been detected, threatening the water supply, since the discovery of a leaking underground tank in 1983.

"The President’s veto of this strong bipartisan bill that will enhance the safety and security of millions of Americans was irresponsible,” said Capps.  “I am proud Congress is taking quick action to override the veto and ensure that these critical infrastructure projects move forward.”

The Senate is expected to override the President’s veto this Thursday, leading to the enactment of the legislation over the President’s opposition.

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.