Santa Ana River Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2005
Key claim: If enacted, the Interior Department could help fund Santa Ana River wetlands, regional brine-export pipelines, and a Chino dairy-area desalination project, plus a membrane-technology center in Orange County, with federal aid capped and expiring after 10 years.
Abstract
(S2106 · 109th Congress) Santa Ana River Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2005 - Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with: (1) the Orange County Water District (the District), to participate in the design, planning, and construction of natural treatment systems and wetlands for the flows of the Santa Ana River, California, and its tributaries into the Prado Basin; (2) local governments to assist agencies in projects to construct regional brine lines to export the salinity imported from the Colorado River to the Pacific Ocean; and (3) the Chino Basin Watermaster, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, to participate in the design, planning, and construction of the Lower Chino Dairy Area desalination demonstration and reclamation project. Limits the federal share of total project costs. Prohibits using funds provided by the Secretary for operation and maintenance of the projects. Directs the Secretary to establish at the District a center to provide: (1) assistance in the development and advancement of membrane technologies; and (2) educational support in the advancement of public understanding and acceptance of membrane produced water supplies. Terminates the Secretary’s authority to carry out this Act after 10 years. Latest action (2005-12-15): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text of measure as introduced: CR S13662)
Why this matters
If enacted, the Interior Department could help fund Santa Ana River wetlands, regional brine-export pipelines, and a Chino dairy-area desalination project, plus a membrane-technology center in Orange County, with federal aid capped and expiring after 10 years.