Department of Interior appropriations bill.“My amendments put a stop to the state’s disastrous plan to flush water from Valley rivers and ensure federal resources are available to build storage,” said Rep. Denham. “I am fighting back against Sacramento’s water grab because we need more water, not less.”
Rep. Denham’s amendment prohibits federal agencies from participating in the state’s plan to deplete the federally owned New Melones reservoir, which provides water for the Central Valley Project and generates hydropower. Sacramento’s plan would drain significantly more water from New Melones each year, potentially leaving it completely dry some years. This would put in jeopardy critical water supplies for Central Valley farmers and communities who rely on the water for their homes, businesses, farms, and electric power.
Rep. Denham’s Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act amendment, which mirrors his NEW Water Act, would expand financing to water supply projects. The WIFIA program has only been accepting loan applications for clean and drinking water projects, yet water storage and flood risk reduction projects are eligible. This amendment would ensure resources are available to finance storage and flood related projects.
For more information about the state’s Bay-Delta plan, including Rep. Denham’s most recent statement, click here. You can also learn more about what Rep. Denham is doing to fight for water in the Valley by visiting www.Denham.house.gov/water.
Source: Congressman Jeff Denham
