Family Farm Alliance 4/13/05
Today House Committee on Resources, Subcommittee on Water and Power will discuss the future role of water storage as a major part of our nation's water supply portfolio.  The oversight hearing, "The Role of New Surface and Groundwater Storage in Providing Reliable Water and Power Supplies and Reducing Drought's Impacts" will be held at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern) in 1334 Longworth on Wednesday, April 13, 2005.

Attached is a news release from the Family Farm Alliance summarizing Congressional testimony that will be given today (Wednesday, April 13) in Washington by Family Farm Alliance President Pat O'Toole. Also attached is a copy of the full written testimony (with case  studies and other attachments), which further elaborates on the importance of developing new, environmentally sound water supplies in the Western United States.

The purpose of this hearing is to determine how additional storage can enhance water and power supplies and will also assess the appropriate federal role in the process.  The subcommittee will hear from one panel of western water experts who deliver water to communities and encounter supply issues on a daily basis.

Pat O’Toole’s appearance before Chairman Radanovich’s subcommittee was the second by an Alliance official in the past week. On April 5, Executive Director Dan Keppen was invited to speak during the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee 2005 Water Conference. A copy of the Keppen’s written testimony is also attached to this transmittal. Next week in Spokane, Washington, former Alliance President Bill Kennedy of Klamath Falls, Oregon, is to testify at a House Water and Power Subcommittee field hearing.

For more information on the Family Farm Alliance, please go to www.familyfarmalliance.org.