Our Klamath Basin Water Crisis Upholding rural Americans

For Immediate Release: September 24, 2003 from Conference Secretary Press Office

Doolittle Secures Millions For Upper Klamath Basin
Funds Included In Comprehensive Water Resources Bill

Washington, D.C. - House Republican Conference Secretary John T. Doolittle
(R-Rocklin) announced today that the House of Representatives has passed his
comprehensive water management plan that will increase water supplies
throughout his vast Northern California district. Included in this package
is $25 million for water infrastructure projects in the Upper Klamath River
Basin.

"Helping resolve the water management crisis in the Klamath Basin is one of
my top priorities," Doolittle said. "It is an honor to represent a
community that, despite misguided government priorities, continues to lead
the world in water use efficiency and conservation implementation. It is my
hope these funds will continue that trend and will be a tremendous benefit
to local farmers."

Local elected leaders and water officials widely praised this landmark
legislation. "This bill is a testament to the commitment Congressman
Doolittle has made to the farming community in the Klamath Basin and his
dedication to helping achieve water certainty in the Basin," commented Dan
Keppen, Executive Director of the Klamath Water Users Association. "It's
great to have another member in Congress who understands our needs and has
the will to fight for them."

The plan - part of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) - calls for
the investment of $135 million in water infrastructure improvements in
communities ranging from the suburban Sacramento area to the Oregon border.
By building new facilities and renovating existing ones to improve water use
efficiency, the projects funded by this legislation are expected to yield up
to 100,000 acre-feet of additional water per year, enough to supply water
for 100,000 families of five annually. "This is one of the most significant
federal investments in water infrastructure our region has seen in decades,"
stated El Dorado Irrigation District Board President George Osborne.

"These funds will provide significant assistance to our community in
recovering from the 2001 Water Crisis by providing for infrastructure
improvements and conservation measures," said Tulelake Growers Association
President Marty Macy. "We highly commend Congressman Doolittle's ongoing
efforts to reestablish and protect agriculture in the Klamath Basin."

The House-backed version of the WRDA includes funding for the following
purposes:

* $85 million for water projects in Placer and El Dorado Counties;

* $25 million for water projects in the Upper Klamath River Basin;

* $25 million for water projects in Nevada, Sierra, Plumas, Lassen,
and Butte Counties; and

* $66 million to construct a permanent bridge downstream of Folsom
Dam.