Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. National Public Works Week is celebrated yearly during the third week of May. The week has been designated by a variety of organizations to celebrate our public works professionals and the critical work that they do to keep our infrastructure and transportation systems working efficiently and economically House Resolution 352 pays tribute to these professionals. recognizing their work the week of May 20 through 26. 2007. "Public works" are loosely defined as projects that are carried out for the public good. aptly named because they enable the public to complete its work. Hazardous materials. pipelines. municipal infrastructure such as water supply infrastructure and sewage and refuge disposal systems. and transportation systems. such as rail. highways. airports and public transit. all fall under the public works umbrella. Our public works are vital to our Nation. Our commerce depends on the shipment of goods through rail. on our roads and through the air. Public transportation provides many with a costeffective way of travel. while also reducing harmful effects on our environment. Our public health depends on our water supply infrastructure as well as our sewage and disposal systems. According to a U.S. Geological survey. one person uses an average of 150 gallons of water per day. Although running water is expected in most homes in our Nation. many developing countries still consider this a luxury. Globally. 50 percent of the worlds hospital beds are filled with patients suffering from waterborne illnesses. with one child killed every 8 seconds due to waterrelated sickness. People in more developed nations. such as the United States. use up to 10 times more water than those in the underdeveloped poor countries. And we do take it for granted. For the importance that they play in our daily lives. our transportation and infrastructure systems and facilities often get the bad end of the deal. that is. although public works are depended on consistently. they receive no glory or praise when accomplishing the job. Rather. many only pay tribute and attention to these public works when they fail. such as sewage line breaks that flood our basements. or levee failures that result in flooded communities. This legislative session the House has passed several key bills that will improve our water and wastewater infrastructure to further reduce facility and system failure. H.R. 569. the Water Quality Investment Act of 2007. amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for sewer overflow control grants. H.R. 700. the Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007. amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the pilot program for alternative water source projects. H.R. 720. the Water Quality Financing Act of 2007. amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for State water pollution control revolving funds. And lastly. H.R. 1495. the Water Resources Development Act. authorizes water projects and U.S. Corps of Engineers policy changes. It has been more than 6years since a water resources bill was signed into law. And although water resource legislation is expected to be signed into law every 2 years. President Clinton was the last White House occupant to take an active role in our countrys water and public health needs. I recognize the importance of public works for our communities and our country. and I am grateful for the administrators. engineers and servicemen who continue to utilize their skills and provide hours of service and dedication to ensure these necessary facilities and systems work for our Nation. I support this resolution and urge my colleagues to support it as well. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.