CLEAN WATER BUDGET CUTS COULD BE ON THE WAY
by Sarah Morgan

This week, the US Senate is scheduled to vote on a bill that will dramatically cut funding for clean water projects across the nation, according to a new report released this week, which says that Texas could stand to lose up to $59.8 million in clean water funding.

The report, titled "All Dried Up: Clean Water is Threatened by Budget Cuts," outlines a proposed cut to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund that will reduce spending on clean water programs by almost $500 million nationwide.

The Clean Water SRF is a federal loan program that finances water projects. It is "among the most successful federal programs," according to the report.

Published by a broad coalition of environmental, public interest, labor, and governmental groups, the report describes the domino effect that this cut could have on the environment, public health, and jobs.

The budget rollback could lead to nearly 50,000 lost jobs, including up to 3,000 in Texas, because projects slated for SRF funding will be put on hold. In 2003, Texas had 71 beach closings because of polluted water. If the bill passes, the report projects an increase in sewer overflows, which leads to polluted water and possible disease outbreaks, causing an increase in beach closings.

According to the report, Texas currently has 46 water projects waiting for SRF funding, with an estimated need of $499 million to complete these projects. The budgeted allotment for Texas in 2005, should the bill pass, is only $38.8 million.

Further, the report reasons that a domino effect could crush tourism and other water-related industries already under pressure because of beach closings and mercury contamination. Texas generates about $2.4 billion a year in coastal tourism, according to the report. This industry also provides work for almost 35,000 people.

For more information or to read the complete report, visit
http://www.nrdc.org/media/pressreleases/040915.asp

H-E-B LAUNCHES TREES FOR TEXAS PROGRAM

Grocery store chain H-E-B has announced a new program, Trees for Texas, in which 40 sixth- through eighth-grade educators will be selected to receive GIS CITYgreen software, curriculum, and training. Educators will also receive five historic tree saplings, and 100 trees are scheduled for planting in the honor of each class selected as part of American Forests Global Relief program. Applications are now being accepted. The deadline is Friday, Oct 1. For more information, please go to:
http://www.heb.com/aboutHEB/EA-treesIntro.jsp

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SEA TURTLE BOOTH AT EXPO IN AUSTIN

The Sea Turtle Restoration Project and Help Endangered Animals, Ridley Turtles are asking for volunteers to work at an interactive educational booth during the Texas Parks and Wildlife EXPO on Oct 2 and Oct 3, 2004. The booth will have photos and stories about sea turtles; it will also show videos to visitors and provide educational activities for kids. The volunteers will assist with children’s activities and passing out literature to visitors. Two people are needed for each of three shifts on both days (9 am to 6 pm). Volunteers may work as many shifts on either day as they would like. To sign up, please contact June Rodriguez at junerodriguez@aol.com or Carole Allen at carole@seaturtles.org or call (281) 444-6204.

"REVEALING HOUSTON’S BAYOUS" PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW

The Bayou Preservation Association is putting on a photography show in the lobby of One Allen Center now through the end of September. The show, "Revealing Houston's Bayous," will feature over 60 photographs by local photographers and the Harris County Flood Control District. BPA is a citizens’ group dedicated to protecting and restoring the many bayous that Houston is known for. More importantly, the group wishes to improve the image of the bayous and the impression most Houstonians have of these crucial waterways. Visit http://www.bayoupreservation.org for more information or contact Mary Ellen Whitworth at (713) 529-6443 or bpa@hic.net.

VENDORS WANTED FOR PUMPKIN PATCH 2004

The Nature Discovery Center is looking for vendors to participate in festivities at the eleventh annual Pumpkin Patch festival on Saturday, Oct 9, and Sunday, Oct 10, from 11 am to 4 pm. Very few vendor spaces are available. A $50 booth fee reserves space for both days; tables and chairs are available for an additional rental fee. For more information, contact Jeni Howell at (713) 667-6550 or visit http://www.naturediscoverycenter.org.

PART-TIME SCHOOL HEALTH COORDINATOR NEEDED

Mothers for Clean Air has an immediate need for a part-time school health coordinator to implement an indoor air quality program in Spring Branch ISD schools. The successful candidate will work directly with SBISD to coordinate training sessions for school indoor air quality coordinators and to assist selected schools in identifying, prioritizing, and solving problems in the school that contribute to poor indoor air quality. The applicant should have a bachelor’s degree, reliable transportation, and at
least two years of work experience. School Health Coordinator is a one-year grant-funded position and does not currently include benefits. Estimated time required is 15 to 20 hours per week and pay is $1000 per month. E-mail your resume and a cover letter stating why you would be good for this job to hiring@ghasp.org.

CONSULTANT NEEDED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT CENTER

The Environmental Support Center is looking for a consultant to the outreach coordinator from October of 2004 to March of 2005. The consultant’s activities include developing a results-oriented outreach plan, with benchmarks, and raising awareness among environmental activist and environmental justice groups about their programs through events, e-mail, targeted phone calls, newsletter bulletins, regular mail, etc. The successful candidate will have experience conducting outreach or marketing activities, working in an activist organization or on public policy, and will have knowledge of and ability to work collaboratively with environmental activist and environmental justice organizations in Texas. Consultants interested in the position should submit a letter describing their skills, approach to this work, similar work done in the past, references, consulting fees, and availability. Please e-mail or send letters to Patty Larson. Deadline for letters is Sept 30, 2004. For more information, please contact plarson@envsc.org.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP SEEKS HORTICULTURIST / URBAN FORESTER

The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is seeking to fill a full-time professional position funded through the Texas Forest Service Urban Forestry Partnership Grant Program. Responsibilities include advancing the BBP’s vegetation management plan, which involves specific restoration objectives in the Buffalo Bayou corridor. The person accepting the position will work with volunteers and contractors to accomplish many of these goals and will also be responsible for monitoring tree health by performing forest health assessments. Other responsibilities include reporting to the Texas Forest Service Urban Forestry Representative, seeking funding for a stream bank protection demonstration project, and working closely with the director of public relations to involve the media in newsworthy projects. Some Saturdays will be expected, leading volunteer groups. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in a related field, good computer skills, local flora knowledge, and leadership and presentation skills. To apply for this position, please send resume to Scott Barnes at sbarnes@buffalobayou.org or fax resume to 713-223-3500.

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