Contact:

Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-9797

David Lungren David_Lungren@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-5642

INHOFE INTRODUCES BILL TO IMPROVE CENTRAL OKLA. WATER SUPPLY

Link to S.3573

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In an effort to meet the growing demands for water in central Oklahoma, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today introduced S.3573, the Lake Thunderbird Efficient Use Act of 2010. The legislation builds on previous work during the 109th and 110th Congresses by both Inhofe and U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (OK-4) that authorized a feasibility study to augment water supplies of the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District which serves central Oklahoma, specifically Norman, Midwest City and Del City.

Today's legislation introduced by Inhofe is the next step toward simply authorizing the means to store excess water capacity at Lake Thunderbird to help meet the ever increasing water needs of the growing communities served by the District. The new measure was developed with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District. The bill is consistent with Inhofe's continuing work to assist the central Oklahoma area in meeting their water supply needs.

"Having an adequate water supply is vital for sustaining growth and economic development, and this bill is essential for current and future water use planning in the central Oklahoma," said Inhofe. "Through my leadership position on the EPW Committee, I have worked to provide necessary funding and changes in federal law when necessary to enable our communities to meet public infrastructure needs."

"The District takes its job very seriously in providing water service to the Central Oklahoma area and its population of over 200,000 residents," said Randy Worden, General Manager of the Central Oklahoma Conservancy District. "With passage of the proposed legislation for the ability to import and store non-project water, the District can plan for and provide water service for its customers well into the future. This will allow its customer cities to continue to grow and provide economic development opportunities for improving the quality of life for their citizens."

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