To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in projects within the San Diego Creek Watershed, California, and for other purposes.

March 18, 2003

Mrs. FEINSTEIN introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in projects within the San Diego Creek Watershed, California, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Irvine Basin Surface and Groundwater Improvement Act of 2003'.

SEC. 2. PROJECT AUTHORIZATION.

(a) IN GENERAL- The Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (Public Law 102-575, title XVI; 43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1635 the following:

`SEC. 1636. IRVINE BASIN GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

`(a) AUTHORIZATION- The Secretary, in cooperation with the Irvine Ranch Water District, California, is authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of projects to naturally treat impaired surface water, reclaim and reuse impaired groundwater, and provide brine disposal within the San Diego Creek Watershed.

`(b) COST SHARE- The Federal share of the costs the projects authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost.

`(c) LIMITATION- The Secretary shall not provide funds for the operation or maintenance of a project authorized by this section.'.

(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections in section 2 of the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1635 the following:

`1636. Irvine basin groundwater and surface waster improvement projects.'.

END