April 1, 1977
Page 10123
ON WATER POLLUTION FUNDING
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to commend Senator PROXMIRE, chairman of the subcommittee, and the members of the full Senate Appropriations Committee for responding to our Nation's critical need for funds for construction of sewage treatment facilities. As many as 34 States are on the verge of running out of funds for this program. As I have said on several occasions in the past few months, and most recently in a committee discussion on March 30, failure to provide funds promptly for this program would have a disruptive effect on State and municipal programs which have geared up over the years to levels which require and deserve a continued Federal commitment.
The Senate committee recognized this need, and this bill includes a full appropriation. President Carter also recognized this need, and requested $4.5 billion in supplemental budget authority.
The inclusion in this measure of $4.5 billion for construction of sewage treatment facilities is recognition of both the environmental and economic importance of this program. This is a legitimate and integral part of an economic stimulus package. This money can move quickly into the economy to initiate construction of sewage treatment plants, plans for which are ready and waiting to go. Jobs can be quickly created — at least 40,000 direct jobs result from each billion dollars expended in this program. The ripple effects are substantial, but difficult to exactly calculate. And, equally important, we achieve water quality benefits at the same time.
Unfortunately, the House appropriations measure provides only for $500 million to assist the House Public Works Committee in their effort to force the Senate to accept their water pollution bill. This amount is totally inadequate, especially in light of a survey released by the National Governor's Conference which shows over $3 billion in immediate needs among 34 States — 3 billion which could go to work immediately making 120,000 jobs. In addition, this $500 million is to be distributed to each of the 50 States regardless of need according to an allotment formula provided in the bill so that no State would receive enough to even begin work on the backlog of projects ready to start construction.
For example, my own State of Maine, which has an immediate backlog of at least $23 million, would receive only $2.7 million. The State of Illinois, which indicates the greatest immediate needs — over $400 million — would receive only $26.3 million under the House language.
These amounts are, as a practical matter, of little value. Also, since every State would receive a portion of the $500 million, and since not every State can use that money, it is certainly a poor use of limited funds to tie up allotments in States which are not running out of money. Since this is an "emergency" situation, it seems eminently logical, if funds are limited, to put them where the most need is.
I know that conference negotiation can be difficult and that Senators on the conference committee may be faced with demands to compromise on the amount to be provided for the construction grant program. I believe that a strong case can be made for appropriation of the full $4.5 billion. The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works was convinced; the Senate Appropriations Committee was convinced; and the President was convinced. Full allotment to all 50 States can be justified if there is full appropriation on the basis that adequate funds can be made available to all States.
However, if the Senate committee is forced to accept an amount less than $4.5 billion in conference, I would urge that it be made available only to those States who have exhausted allocations of previously authorized funds. This procedure would assure that funds are directed to the areas where they can be used to clean up water and put people to work. It would avoid tying up needed funds in States unable to use them.
I hope my colleagues in the Senate who responded so well in committee will continue to support full funding of this important program; if you are forced to compromise, I hope you will make the funds available on a first come-first served basis.