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Bono Mack Wilderness, Water Recycling Bills Become Law
Washington,
Mar 30 -
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today issued the following statement on the enactment of her legislation to preserve scenic lands and rivers in California’s Riverside County and to improve water infrastructure that will increase availability of water to both residential and agricultural users, which were both signed into law as a part of a broader lands package this afternoon by President Obama:
“I am thrilled that these precious wild lands will be preserved for generations to come,” said Bono Mack. “This legislation is the result of many years of hard work and collaboration, and I applaud all who helped craft this bill in a way that will benefit our entire community. I especially want to thank Sen. Barbara Boxer and Sen. Dianne Feinstein for working with me in a bi-partisan fashion to ensure that this important legislative effort was successful.
“These scenic wilderness areas are a integral part of our region’s heritage – from the ancient Native American petroglyphs in the Santa Rosa wilderness to the exquisite river valleys and mountains that are a haven to such wildlife as the endangered peninsular bighorn sheep, the southwestern willow flycatcher and Quino checkerspot butterfly. This is a win for our community and for all who love the beautiful region that surrounds us, both now and into the future.
“Additionally, as our entire region faces drought conditions, it is all the more important that we invest in water infrastructure that will use this precious resource more efficiently and effectively. Through local partnerships, this comprehensive water management plan will create new water supplies, maintain open space and maximize local water storage. This legislation is a thoughtful approach that will help meet the water needs of our agricultural and residential communities and allow our region to continue to grow and to thrive.”
NOTE: The California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act (H.R. 369) will protect approximately 190,000 acres of scenic and ecologically-sensitive land in Riverside County, including parts of Joshua Tree National Park, and four wild and scenic rivers. Senators Boxer and Feinstein have supported companion wilderness designation legislation for Riverside County in the U.S. Senate.
Bono Mack’s legislation to improve water recycling and treatment infrastructure, the Rancho California Water District Recycled Water Reclamation Facility Act (H.R. 371), is a major project that will create facilities for water recycling, demineralization and desalination, and distribution of non-potable water supplies in Southern Riverside County.
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