[ from: "Councilman lobbies for federal funds," By Eric Lindberg, DAILY SOUND, Feb. 27, 2009 ]


Following in the footsteps of several other local officials, Santa Barbara Councilmember Das Williams is in the nation’s capital on a three-day stint to advocate for federal funds to support local infrastructure projects.

“Tis the lobby season,” the councilman said, speaking by cell phone from Washington, DC. “The place is totally abuzz on Capitol Hill between the alternative energy push, healthcare reform and, of course, the stimulus package and the budget. We’re trying to make sure that there are some local projects included.”



(image courtesy of www.smwia.org )


Williams said he is following up on federal funding for improvements along Mission Creek, as well as stream restoration money for the Santa Ynez tributaries.

In addition to his position on the City Council dais, he also serves as the president of the Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board, which oversees water agencies from Santa Ynez to Carpinteria.

Another project he is lobbying for involves building a second pipeline from Lake Cachuma to the South Coast to essentially serve as a backup to the 6.4-mile Tecolote Tunnel.

Williams said he has met with Congresswoman Lois Capps and another congresswoman from Northern California, in addition to two Senate staff members and committee staff.

“It’s cold here, but it’s so important that when there are project monies coming to different areas to help upstart the economy that Santa Barbara gets its fair share,” he said.

He also noted that he’s crashing on a friend’s couch to avoid spending travel funds. The Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board picked up the airline bill.

Labels: federal funding, Mission Creek, water projects