09/07/07 WRDA, what's the word?

WRDA is the Water Resources Development Act and it's a hot potato in Washington these days. The bill passed the Senate with only four dissenting votes and the House vote was lopsided in favor of the legislation but President Bush says is too costly. The bill would improve locks and dams on the Mississippi but Idaho projects would be included too. It would authorize studies on Boise River flood control and water supply, 55 million dollars for rural drinking and wastewater projects, improvements at Dworshak Reservoir, the Gooding Canal Project, the Port of Lewiston and more. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he can't understand the White House reasoning but he concedes nothing will happen unless money is appropriated down the road. GRASSLEY "I don't have anything in mind what is the intention to spend each year but it doesn't matter what the bill says the appropriations committee is going to make that judgment and yes a President could probably slow down some." And there are still huge differences between the House and Senate passed versions of the bill that have to be ironed out. Congress has not approved a water projects bill since 2000. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott