The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“INTRODUCTION OF THE SAN GABRIEL RIVER WATERSHED STUDY ACT OF 2003” mentioning the Department of Interior was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E117 on Jan. 31, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF THE SAN GABRIEL RIVER WATERSHED STUDY ACT OF 2003
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HON. HILDA L. SOLIS
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, January 31, 2003
Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce the San Gabriel River Watershed Study Act of 2003.
This bill will direct the Department of Interior to do a special resources study on the San Gabriel River, and portions of the San Gabriel Mountains to look for ways that we might improve our open and green space.
This study is vital to my community.
Today, children in my district are living next to toxic waste dumps where their playgrounds amount to little more than concrete slabs.
As a result of a poor environment, over 35,000 children suffer from asthma in the San Gabriel Valley--the largest number in the Los Angeles area.
Twenty-five percent of our water is contaminated.
And there is less then \1/2\ acre of open space per 1000 people--a number that is well below the national average.
There is a growing concern that poor planning has resulted in environmental devastation in the San Gabriel Valley and in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.
The threat of over-building on the last remnants of open space has increased concern about the cumulative impacts on what little remains of our natural resources.
This concern has reached critical mass, sparking community action to form local conservancies and land trusts as part of a comprehensive solution to watershed protection.
As many as ten State conservancies have formed or are being formed in the greater San Gabriel Valley.
As a California State Senator, I was proud to join in the fight by authoring legislation that created the largest state urban conservancy in California, affecting over 3 million people.
It is now time for the federal government to offer the next step of protection and revitalization in the San Gabriel Valley.
This study is the first step in that venture.
Last congress, this bill passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously but was unfortunately unable to be sent to the President because of time constraints.
In light of Congress' past endorsement, it is my hope that this bill can pass this body early in the 108th Congress.
The bill that I reintroduce today is the result of many hours of work with various stakeholders and emphasizes the special needs of the San Gabriel Valley, especially those related to flood control, drainage and public infrastructure.
These compromises led to its endorsement by over 30 local governments and organizations.
It is my hope that this incredible past support will translate into this bill's swift passage.
Before I close, let me say thank you to former Resources Committee Chairman Hansen, current Resources Committee Chairman Pombo, Ranking Member Rahall, Chairman Radanovich and Members of the Resources Committee for assisting me in drafting this important bill.
Their guidance is a testament to what is good about the legislative process and I look forward to continuing to work within that process this Congress.
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