FPUD bill to use local water passes House

The Fallbrook Public Utility District’s (FPUD) plan to tap into the Santa Margarita River took a giant leap forward Tuesday afternoon when the US House of Representatives passed a bill approving it. The bill, HR 125, passed unanimously and without controversy, as it was approved under special circumstances allowing the House to suspend the rules and approve the bill by voice vote.

The bill must still be approved by the Senate and signed by President Bush before it can take effect.

If that happens and the plan comes to fruition, it will allow FPUD to gain access to cheaper, more reliable local...