[미국] 하원, 100억 달러 규모의 전국적 수자원 프로젝트 승인

지난 8일, 하원은 전국적으로 수자원 프로젝트를 승인하는 100억 달러 규모의 법안을 통과시켰다. 이 법안 조항에 따르면 미시간(Michigan)주의 납 함유 식수 문제에 1억7천만 달러, 캘리포니아(California)주 가뭄 관리에 5억5천800만 달러를 포함한다.

AP통신은 법안이 통과된 반면, “일부 민주당원들은 이러한 가뭄 조치가 캘리포니아 농부와 기업에게 공짜나 다름없다고 불평했다”고 보도했다.

케빈 맥카시(Kevin McCarthy) 공하당 하원 원내대표는 “미국은 제3세계 국가가 아니다. 우리는 부유한 국가이며, 따라서 어느 미국인도 물 없이 지내도록 하지 않을 것이다”라고 밝혔다.

[원문보기]

HOUSE APPROVES $10B FOR FLINT, CALIFORNIA DROUGHT

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed a $10 billion bill which would authorize water projects across the country. Included in the bill's provisions is $170 million for Flint, Michigan's lead in drinking water problem and $558 million to manage California's drought.

The Associated Press reports that while the bill passed, 360-61, "some Democrats complained that the drought measure was a giveaway to California farmers and businesses."

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy was vocal in his support of the bill, saying, "America is not some Third World country. We are a wealthy nation, and we will not let any American go without water," he said.

The measure will increase water delivery to farms and businesses in the San Joaquin Valley and parts of Southern California, while streamlining future infrastructure projects.

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., has vowed to defeat the drought measure once it gets to the Senate, because she says it would undermine protections for endangered fish and put the interests of farmers above other industries in the state.

The bill also authorizes aid for Flint and other cities that have found lead in water, but the money would be included in a short-term spending bill pending in the Senate.

"Flint families have waited far too long for their government to act, but I am pleased that over $100 million in real federal aid for Flint is a big step closer to becoming reality," said Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich.

[출처 = Water World / 2016년 12월 9일]