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July 23, 2020

WG Supports Feinstein Water Conveyance Bill

Western Growers has issued a letter in support of S. 3811, a bill recently introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein to address severe subsidence impacts that have substantially reduced the carrying capacity of California’s water delivery system.

The letter praises Senator Feinstein for her efforts to secure reliable water supplies for California farmers, and notes that without significant repairs, critical water infrastructure facilities that convey water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to water users will further decline, choking off water to farmers and undermining the ability of the region to meet the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) mandates.

“Only a fully capable conveyance system capable of moving excess precipitation runoff to groundwater storage facilities and recharge-capable farmland can provide the resiliency needed to avert an economic and social disaster under SGMA,” the letter states.

The Restoration of Essential Conveyance Act (S. 3811) authorizes $600 million in federal funding for three major water projects – $200 million each for the Friant-Kern Canal and Delta-Mendota Canal, and $100 million each for the San Luis Canal and California Aqueduct. S. 3811 provides an additional $200 million for restoration of the San Joaquin River, including environmentally protective infrastructure needed to implement the San Joaquin River Restoration Project.

Similar legislation has been introduced in the House by Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) and Rep. T.J. Cox (CA-21).

Click here to view the letter.