61 



best be met using natural ecological means. The use of 

 revegetation of the nearside riparian habitat as an alternative 

 to more costly settling ponds as a means of meeting stormwater 

 requirements is a good example of how cities can meet their 

 environmental requirements while at the same time restoring 

 important river resources. 



H.R. 3873 requires EPA to review urban restoration grant 

 requests pursuant to an established set of criteria, including 

 standards related to ecological objectives as well as economic 

 and community goals. These criteria, at a minimum, shall 

 include: (i) priority for projects aimed at restoring physical 

 habitat and biological integrity for urban rivers and streams and 

 (ii) priority for projects that provide jobs and career 

 development in urban watershed restoration for youth, in 

 particular through corps programs. 



We are optimistic that this bill will not only result in 

 greater protection for urban rivers and streams, but also for 

 enhanced community cohesiveness for neighborhoods who undertake 

 projects and long-term career opportunities for youth who need 



them most. 



In closing, I would like to point out that the three bills 

 being considered today tackle many important river protection and 



9 — 



