Crapo Announces Conservation Hearing

Washington, DC - A national water group is honoring Idaho Senator Mike Crapo with an award marking Crapoâ??s role in â??providing outstanding serviceâ?? regarding water issues. The American Water Works Association award, which comes during the week when Earth Day is recognized, honors recipients for â??providing better water for people.â?? The organization makes one award per year.Crapo is Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water. He has proposed increasing federal funding to upgrade drinking water systems around the nation, has begun a Congressional investigation into lead in the water system of Washington, DC that could affect other states, and passed his â??Project SEARCHâ?? legislation sending funding to small communities to comply with water standards.The American Water Works Association (AWWA) Award of Merit is given to promote achievements in the water field. Past recipients include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day Oâ??Connor, Senate Minority Leader Tom Dasche, and former Idaho Senator, Governor Dirk Kempthorne.â??The personal health and economic health of a community begins with a safe, reliable, and dependable water supply,â?? said Crapo. â??The federal government has a responsibility when it establishes water standards to assist communities in implementing those standards. There are many issues surrounding the improvement of water quality. We must continue the efforts to identify where the problems are as well as find the resources to assist in solving those problems.â??Crapo cited as recent examples the assistance provided by USDA Rural Development to two Idaho communities dealing with water and wastewater issues. Emmett has received $2,250,000 to upgrade an aging water system and Bonners Ferry received $500,000 to repair a water collection system damaged by a fire in the Panhandle National Forest. # # #