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Pete A. lobbies US lawmaker for water bill
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Posted on Oct 22 2006
Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio has renewed his call for support for a U.S. bill that would provide $20 million for the Commonwealth’s water projects.
Tenorio recently wrote the sponsor of H.R. 2864 or the Water Resources Development Act to ask for continued support now that the bill proceeds to a conference committee of senators and representatives.
The conference committee is needed to work out differences in the versions of the bill each chamber approved.
H.R. 2864 includes a $20 million authorization for CNMI water projects. It also provides for waiver of cost-sharing provisions for ports and other navigation projects, which are critical for the redevelopment of the Tinian breakwater and Rota harbor.
“You have always been a true friend and I hope I can call on that friendship at least one more time,” Tenorio told Rep. Donald Young, chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The CNMI’s representative to the nation’s capital reiterated water problems in the islands.
“My people still lack potable water readily available from their faucets at home and are faced with prolonged periods without running water. Without access to sufficient water supply we are unable to wash dishes, bathe, or even flush a toilet—simple, everyday occurrences that are taken for granted in the mainland. We are faced with potentially severe health problems if nothing is done to improve the condition of our water supply. Our water still has five times the chloride regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency for drinking,” Tenorio said.
He said that H.R. 2864 would not only provide funding for water system improvements on Saipan, but also create jobs and stimulate the economy.
