$50 million funding increases 2009 levels by 25%

Washington, D.C. (November 13, 2009) – The following is a statement from NHA Executive Director Linda Church Ciocci on the federal allocation to fund the U.S. Department of Energy's Waterpower Program. President Obama recently signed into law legislation that provides $50 million for this program -- a 25 percent increase over the current funding level:

"The National Hydropower Association congratulates Congress on increasing funding for the DOE Waterpower program. In recent years, legislators have provided steady and significant increases, bringing the current allocation up to $50 million.

"This funding is critical to expanding our clean, renewable hydropower resources. Just last month, NHA released a study showing that we can add some 60,000 megawatts of additional hydropower capacity by 2025 -- but, we need the federal R&D leadership that DOE's Waterpower program provides to make it happen.

"NHA study also shows that building this hydropower capacity will have an enormous economic impact in every region, creating as many as 700,000 new jobs in the hydropower industry. That means family-supporting, productive jobs in communities across the country. It also means investment and contributions to the tax base in all regions.

"President Obama often speaks of building a 'clean energy economy,' where sectors like the U.S. hydropower industry create jobs, develop new technologies, and serve the public by expanding our base of domestic, renewable resources. Federal support, like this funding for the DOE Waterpower program, will help to make that a reality.

"The National Hydropower Association thanks both Congress and the President on their efforts to expand our clean-energy resources. We stand ready to work with them -- and all other stakeholders -- to continue the strong public-private efforts that will bring hydropower's benefits to all Americans."

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