Schumer, Clinton: Senate Overides Presidential Veto Of WRDA

Senate Today Votes 79-14 to Override Presidential Veto of Water Resources Development Act, Authorizing Funding for Water Projects Across New York

November 8, 2007 -- Washington, DC — U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the Senate has voted to override the President’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), joining the House to authorize $10 million for projects to upgrade drinking water systems in several communities across New York State.

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The Water Resources Development Act authorizes Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including navigation, ecosystem restoration and shoreline protection projects. Under the authorizations, the Corps partners with local sponsors to conduct the project. A project authorization in WRDA is a necessary first step towards securing funding in an appropriations bill at a later date.

The final WRDA bill includes provisions from both the Senate and House bills, and authorizes the following drinking water projects:

From the Senate bill:
$5 million for Town of Fleming in Cayuga County
$5 million for Yates County

From the House bill:
$2 million for Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County
$1.5 million for the Town of Sennett, Cayuga County
$2 million for Wellsville, Allegany County

“The vote today sends the president a clear message from Congress that critical projects like these cannot and will not be sacrificed,” said Senator Schumer. "This veto is terrific news for Allegany, Cayuga, Cattaraugus and Yates Counties. Having an updated and extensive water system is not only important to the health of local residents but it is also critical to the livelihood of the community. This funding will help the community meet that need, improving the quality of life for everyone in the area."

“The federal government must partner with local communities to guarantee that everyone has safe drinking water, and the overwhelming bipartisan support for this bill has authorized funding for this important effort. I applaud my colleagues in the Congress for voting to override the President’s veto, and I’m pleased that Allegany, Cayuga, Cattaraugus and Yates Counties can move forward with this project,” said Senator Clinton.

Source: Senator Chuck Schumer