Congresswoman Bono Mack released this statement regarding the disappointing vote in the House March 11.  Congresswoman Bono Mack's hard work on this legislation gives me confidence that we will pass the legislation soon...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
CONTACT:JENNIFER MAY (202) 226-5365
MARCH 11, 2009                                                                    

BONO MACK DISAPPOINTED WIDELY-SUPPORTED WILDERNESS, WATER BILLS HELD UP BY THE HOUSE

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today expressed her disappointment that the House failed to pass public lands legislation that included Bono Mack’s widely supported bill to preserve certain desert and forest landscapes and rivers in Riverside County, in addition to Bono Mack’s water recycling bill to improve water infrastructure in Southwest Riverside County.  

“I am disappointed that the partisan politics that persist here Washington got in the way of protecting some of our region’s most scenic landscapes and addressing significant local water needs,” said Bono Mack. 

“Our wild lands are a treasured resource in the community and a reason that so many of us call this spectacular region our home.  It is essential that we act to preserve them so that future generations can enjoy all that they have to offer.   

“Additionally, our region is facing serious water shortages.  With the Governor’s recent statewide drought declaration, it is abundantly clear that we need to take action on water policy that will help our residential and agricultural communities.  Water is essential to the life and economy of our region, and my legislation that was included in this lands package would take strong steps to helping us conserve and better utilize water in a way that would benefit us all. 

 “It is my hope that Congress will move forward with these important pieces of legislation as a stand-alone bills, as they have earned the broad support of our community and should not be subjected to Washington’s divisive politics.”

Bono Mack’s California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act would protect approximately 190,000 acres of scenic and ecologically-sensitive land in Riverside County, including parts of Joshua Tree National Park, and establish four wild and scenic rivers. Additionally, Bono Mack’s legislation to improve water recycling and treatment infrastructure in Southwest Riverside County was included in this lands package. 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.  ####