Rep. Thompson Secures $500,000 for Eureka's Martin Slough Interceptor

Today, the House of Representatives passed the FY 2008 Interior-Environment appropriations bill, which included a $500,000 request by North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson for the Martin Slough Interceptor project. The purpose of this project is to replace Eureka's antiquated wastewater system. Thompson championed funding for the project because the current sewage system regularly overflows into the Humboldt Bay, posing a serious threat to public health and the local environment.

"Humboldt Bay is one of California's largest and most biologically-significant coastal estuaries," said Thompson. "When overburdened, Eureka's sewage system regularly spills toxic wastewater into the Bay, putting our residents and marine life at risk."

The environmental risks stemming from sewage overflows has made completion of the $23 million project an urgent priority for the City of Eureka. In addition to the environmental benefits, the new sewage system will provide Eureka with the infrastructure it needs for future economic growth.

"I called for this funding because Eureka's sewage problem is urgent and warrants federal assistance," added Thompson. "I'm pleased to see that the House Leadership has made the Martin Slough Interceptor project a priority."

"On behalf of the Eureka City Council and all Eureka citizens, I wish to thank Congressman Thompson for his leadership on this project which is so vital to the environmental and economic health of our region," said David Tyson, City Manager. "The importance and magnitude of the Martin Slough Interceptor project cannot be overstated. The project will upgrade failing critical infrastructure through construction of a more effective and efficient wastewater collection system, one which will improve water quality and public health in Eureka and the Humboldt Bay region. We express our gratitude to the Congressman for his longstanding support of this local project."

Congress has previously appropriated funding for the Martin Slough Interceptor, including $500,000 in FY 2001; $450,000 in FY 2003; $750,000 in FY 2005; and $376,000 in FY 2006.

In addition to the Martin Slough Interceptor, the Interior-Environment appropriations bill includes $27 billion in discretionary spending for environmental and conservation programs. It includes $2.5 billion for National Parks and $451 million for National Wildlife Refuges, both of which will benefit the North Coast. The bill also included unprecedented spending on climate change research and the development of a system for regulating greenhouse gases.

This bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

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CONTACT: Anne Warden at (202) 225-3311, (703) 338-4480 or anne.warden@mail.house.gov.