05/21/07 WRDA clears Senate

The Senate has given approval to WRDA, the Water Resources Development Act. In doing so, the Senate joined the House to pump millions of dollars into water projects. Senators Mike Crapo and Larry Craig voted for the bill that includes several Idaho projects. Studies on Boise River flood control and water supply, 55 million dollars for rural community drinking and wastewater projects, Recreation improvements at Dworshak Reservoir, Rehabilitation of the Gooding Canal Project, Increased recreation and commercial opportunities for the Port of Lewiston, Numerous water improvement projects on the Snake and Columbia Rivers to assist North Idaho farmers in getting their products to market. And there are some fish and wildlife issues connected to the Snake and Columbia Rivers along with money to battle the infestation of Eurasian water milfoil. Senator Mike Crapo says there is one major difference between the House and Senate versions. CRAPO "The Senate cost of this bill is about 31 and a half billion dollars and the House cost is about 13 billion so we will still have negotiations over what the ultimate outcome will be." That has to be resolved in conference between both bodies before the bill can be sent to the President. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott