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Week Ending December 9, 2005

H.R.3963 To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for Long Island Sound.

BRIEF

The bill reauthorizes the program and spending for protecting the watershed of the Long Island Sound from pollution and other stresses.

The area is home to 8 million Americans and generates $5 billion yearly from boating, swimming, commercial and sport fishing and other activities, the bill report noted.

A significant habitat the waters are threatened by increased use from an increasing population and stormwater and agricultural runoff.

The effort to maintain the health of the area began with the Clean Water Act in 1990 and continued when Long Island Sound was included in the National Estuary Program in 1994.

Sponsor: Representative Rob Simmons (R-CT-2^nd)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote December 7, 2005.

Cost to the taxpayers: $40 million in yearly grants expired in 2005 and up to $40 million yearly is authorized in the bill but all that may not be spent. “CBO estimates that implementing this legislation would cost $2 million in 2006 and $106 million over the 2006-2010 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary funds. Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues.”

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