Contact Information
Phone 580.371.6446
FAX
603.506.0057
Mail
P. O. Box 891
Tishomingo, OK 73460
Email
cpasa_org@swbell.net
Breaking News
17 July 2003 CONTACT: Brad Luna
(918) 687-2533
Carson, Cole Announce $700k For Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer
Funding Provided Through Energy And Water Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. -- Oklahoma Congressmen Brad Carson and Tom
Cole announced today that an additional $700,000 has been appropriated for
a study into the hydrology and water resources management of the
Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer located in Southern Oklahoma. The funding is
provided in the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill of 2004.
The Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer has been designated a sole source
aquifer by EPA and a large number of Oklahomans depend on its production
for their health and economic future. The Aquifer underlies approximately
500 square miles of south central Oklahoma and is an important source of
water supply for the region’s citizens.
The two Oklahoma Congressmen recently wrote a letter in support of
the funding to the chair and ranking member of the committee. In the
letter Congressman Carson and Congressman Cole stated, “continuing funding
for this study is critical to the residents of this area.” They went on to
say, “During recent years, a number of issues have emerged which have
caused concerns about the utilization and continued health of the aquifer.
In order to assure the future well being of the aquifer, a five-year study
has begun to include detailed assessments of the formation’s hydrology,
water quality and vulnerability, ground water/surface water interactions,
land use changes, state and tribal water rights and overall management of
the resource.”
Estimates are that the study will take 5 years at a cost of
approximately $3 million total, due to the complex nature of the aquifer
and tribal/federal interests. Currently the study is beginning to define
the scope of work and total costs.
“I am very pleased that we were able to secure $700,000 federal
dollars for a project that is vital to the preservation of this aquifer,”
said Congressman Carson. “Water is a God-given natural resource to this
area and we must make sure that we responsibly continue to preserve and
maintain this for future generations.”
"The Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer is essential to the quality of life of
the residents of Southern Oklahoma. It is important that first and
foremost they have the water they need. By obtaining the funds for
research, important decisions can be made to secure the future of the
Aquifer and ease the minds of the effected families and communities,
Congressman Cole said.