Statement of William Rinne

Deputy Commissioner

Bureau of Reclamation

U.S. Department of the Interior
On
H.R. 2960
before the
Committee on Resources
Subcommittee on Water and Power

House of Representatives

September 10, 2003

My name is William Rinne and I am the Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation.  I am pleased to present the views of the Department of the Interior on H.R. 2960, concerning the Brownsville Public Utility Board water recycling and desalinization project in the State of Texas.

H.R. 2960 would amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (Public Law 102-575), to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Brownsville Public Utility Board (BPUB), to participate in the design, planning, and construction of facilities to reclaim, reuse, and treat impaired waters in the Brownsville, Texas, area.  As you know, the Federal share of project costs is limited to a maximum of 25 percent of the total, and the Secretary is prohibited from funding the operation and maintenance of the project.

All projects implemented pursuant to Title XVI require that a feasibility study be conducted by Reclamation or the non-Federal project sponsor.  Reclamation has completed an appraisal study with the Brownsville Public Utilities Board and is currently beginning a feasibility study to more completely assess which of the proposed actions would be the best to implement.  Reclamation commends the project sponsors for their work with us prior to authorization in completing the appraisal study and beginning the feasibility study.  However, it is essential to complete the feasibility study to fully inform Congress, the project sponsors and the Administration regarding vital project information such as costs, project features, benefits, and other factors, before the project can be authorized.  Completion of the feasibility study prior to authorization of construction is a necessary component of informed decision making.

Moreover, enactment of this legislation authorizing new construction projects will place an additional burden on Reclamation’s already oversubscribed budget.  In light of the tremendous backlog of currently authorized Title XVI projects, we cannot support H.R. 2960 at this time.  

The economic and efficient use of water is a priority for the Department of Interior.  The Department strongly encourages local water recycling and desalination efforts.  Partnering with state and local governments is in accord with the Secretary’s Water 2025 framework for anticipating water supply crises and preventing them through communication, consultation and cooperation, in service of conservation.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on H.R. 2960.  This concludes my statement and I would be happy to answer any questions.