October 4, 1972
Page 33706
Mr. BEALL. Mr. President, I would like to ask the distinguished chairman of the subcommittee, the Senator from Maine, a question. As he remembers, it was my privilege to serve during three-quarters of the markup on the bill, and I appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into bringing this bill to the floor. During the discussion of the bill, we were concerned about regional sewage treatment plants, and I offered an amendment in the subcommittee, which was accepted in the subcommittee, and later by the full committee, and later carried in the Senate.
Is it true that the discretionary fund of $200 million that had been allowed the Director of EPA would be devoted to the Federal portion of regional sewage plants, so that the total cost of them would not have to be borne by a State and a State would not have to use all of its Federal portion for one project?
I have in mind Blue Plains, which is of grave concern in this area, because if the Blue Plains plant were to be completed, Maryland would have to spend all of its Federal money for that one project and would not be able to pay for any other sewage plants.
I am wondering, since the conferees did not agree to that particular matter, how the subject matter is covered in the bill now.
Mr. MUSKIE. May I say the conferees on both sides were in support of the Blue Plains project and undertook to take care of it by the language which is found on page 114 of the conference report. May I read it?
The conferees determined that utilization of a "needs" formula would eliminate any need for special allocation for an advanced waste treatment project or other special cases. Projects such as the Blue Plains Regional Treatment Works in the District of Columbia will receive adequate and timely funds under this provision so long as adequate funds are released for obligation.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired.
Mr. COOPER. Mr. President, I yield the Senator 1 more minute.
Mr. MUSKIE. In other words, if adequate funds are released for the total program, there should be adequate funds for Blue Plains.
Mr. BEALL. This will not penalize the State and the political subdivisions involved?
Mr. MUSKIE. The Senator is correct.