Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Dept. of Interior federal recovery funding for water infrastructure

For Immediate Release: April 15, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today released the following statement applauding the Dept. of Interior�s Bureau of Reclamation $125.2 million investment to support projects in the Pacific Northwest:

�I applaud the important allocation of $125.2 million to support water infrastructure projects in the Pacific Northwest. This funding designation is part of a $1 billion investment to repair America�s water infrastructure and help address the country�s long-term water supply challenges under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.�

�Washington, along with Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming will use these monies to upgrade and modernize infrastructure within the region, including:

� $50 million for construction of Weber Siphon Complex.

� $18.1 million in Recovery Act funding for the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Complex.

� $21.5 million to convert open irrigation ditches to closed pipe conserving and stretching water supplies near Yakima, Wash.

� $5 million in Recovery Act funds to complete the construction phase of the Potholes Supplemental Feed Route.

� $30.6 million in smaller water infrastructure and related projects across the Pacific Northwest Region.

�As promised, the Obama Administration is focusing its priorities in areas of critical need, particularly those that are interconnected. By addressing these issues in a combined approach, the federal recovery funding will make a lasting contribution to the region.�

Washington state is administering American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire created a Web site, www.recovery.wa.gov, so every Washingtonian can see where tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for results. On the federal level, President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden to oversee all states� recovery efforts and to root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars are put to good use and recharge the economy.

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