“Currently unemployment in my district is hovering around 17%, which is almost double the national average. We are dependent on water for jobs and to sustain our local economy. My bill, H.R. 2578, is a much needed piece of legislation that will create desperately needed jobs, increase water storage and help stimulate the depressed local economy.” – Congressman Jeff Denham
The legislation has bipartisan support in Congress and the backing of the Central Valley delegation. Co-sponsors include Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Rep. Jim Costa, Rep. Devin Nunes and Rep. Dennis Cardoza.
H.R. 2578 will allow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to consider a proposal by the Merced Irrigation District (MID) to raise the spillway at the Exchequer Dam by 10 feet without using any state or federal dollars.
The bill will allow for much needed storage of up to 70,000 acre-feet of water, which has the potential for the generation of an additional 10,000 mega-watt hours of clean renewable electricity, increased recreation activity in the area and agricultural benefits, as well as the creation of about 840 jobs. It will also increase desperately needed water supply to the San Joaquin Valley.
Rep. Denham’s bill has the support of California water organizations and job creators in the Valley, including organizations such as: Merced Irrigation District; California Citrus Mutual; Paramount Farms; Westlands Water District.
