WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps applauded the Senate’s vote to override President Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), H.R. 1495.  Earlier this week Capps voted with 360 of her Republican and Democratic colleagues to override the President’s veto, with the measure passing by a vote of 361 to 54.  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. 

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. 

“I am pleased that the Senate has joined the House in overriding the President’s irresponsible veto of this strong bipartisan bill,” said Capps.  “This legislation will enhance the safety and security of millions of Americans by moving these critical infrastructure projects move forward.  This is also an important step for the Los Osos community as they work to develop a much needed wastewater treatment facility.  I have worked tirelessly to help the community with this effort. This authorization is a critical step in obtaining more federal funding for the construction of this project.”

“On behalf of the County and Los Osos, I'm tremendously grateful to Mrs. Capps for her efforts in securing this authorization,” said San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Bruce Gibson.  “She has been a tireless supporter of the community as we have struggled with a wastewater solution. This is a significant step toward easing the financial burden of this huge 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.

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