Mayor Dennis Kennedy went to Washington, D.C., last week hoping
to bring back funding for flood control and perchlorate remedies,
removed from the Bush administration
’s 2005 federal budget.
Mayor Dennis Kennedy went to Washington, D.C., last week hoping to bring back funding for flood control and perchlorate remedies, removed from the Bush administration’s 2005 federal budget.
In order to complete the Morgan Hill segment of improving Llagas Creek, which runs through downtown and floods regularly, and to help the city and water district cover millions in perchlorate-related costs, the city needs help from the federal government.
“We got a fair number of commitments to do their best,” Kennedy said Friday while waiting for a plane home. He met with Congressional representative’s including Morgan Hill Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Tracy.
“They were all really supportive,” Kennedy said. “But will they be strong enough to deliver? Pombo is a real benefit because he has a good rapport with the president.”
Kennedy accompanied several Santa Clara Valley Water District officials, who make the trip at least once a year.
Nicole Taylor, Pombo’s press secretary said that just because the money isn’t in the Bush budget, doesn’t mean it won’t show up eventually.
“Pombo will request $4 million for perchlorate remediation and $1,350,000 for Llagas Creek,” Taylor said. “He will do everything he can to help.”
Pombo said he was aware of the importance of these two projects on the South Valley.
“I understand the toll these problems are taking on the folks in the district,” Pombo said, “and I will continue to do my best to help. I’ve been fortunate in the past to get funds to aid these projects, and have submitted requests again on their behalf this FY05 appropriations cycle.”
