Federalhelp possible to reduce toxic contamination of the Columbia River

the Columbia River Basin Restoration Act of 2010 was passed by the
Environment and Public Works Committee of the U.S. Senate on June
30th. The bill (S.3550) which authorizes federal funding is now
headed to the floor of the Senate for a vote.

This bill provides funds to implement
projects to reduce contamination. Addressing habitat loss and toxic
contamination will bolster the local economy by immediately
supporting jobs for contractors, haulers, large equipment
operators, road, bridge and culvert construction crews,
hydrologists, and biologists along with providing a market for
nurseries and other building construction materials. Future
economic benefit is achieved by protecting navigational jetties,
fishery habitats and beaches from ongoing erosion. Keeping
contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides out of the
system is more economical than costly clean up.

The Columbia River Basin Restoration Act of 2010 was introduced by
Senator Merkley (D-OR) with co-sponsorship from Senators Wyden (D- OR), Sen. Crapo (R-ID), Sen. Baucus and Tester (D-MT). A similar
bill was introduced in the House in February by Representative
Blumenauer (D-OR).