WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO) today issued
the following statement after President George W. Bush vetoed the Water
Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2007 conference report:
“President Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is
foolish – WRDA not only ensures the continued viability of America’s
water resources and infrastructure, but it has also achieved
overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress. This is just the latest
example of the President trying to score political points despite the
bipartisan work on this Congress.
“This Act is critical to Colorado’s water infrastructure needs such as
the restoration of our waterways. The provisions I secured will restore
the riparian habitat, enhance recreational opportunities, and improve
water flow along the South Platte River. I am confident Congress will
override the President’s veto.”
U.S. Rep. DeGette secured two major financial and language provisions
in the WRDA bill. DeGette secured $13,065,000 for further environmental
restoration for the Denver County Reach of the South Platte River. It
provides for $13,065,000 million in federal funding, along with
$7,035,000 million in local funding. This ongoing cleanup project will
restore the riparian habitat, enhance recreational opportunities, and
improve the scenery around the Platte. In terms of language, DeGette
was also able to secure language important to Coloradans relating to
the Platte River and Chatfield Reservoir. This language change would
allow increased water storage at Chatfield reservoir to be used for
environmental restoration. This will improve water flow along the
Platte, which would enhance the Platte redevelopment efforts and help
to meet municipal and agricultural water supply needs.
The House of Representatives has scheduled a veto override vote on Tuesday.