Legislation Introduced to Fund Major Valley Water Infrastructure Repairs

Earlier this week, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) introduced legislation that would provide $400 million dollars to repair major water infrastructure in the San Joaquin Valley.

The Conveyance Capacity Correction Act authorizes federal funding to repair cracks in the Delta-Mendota Canal and the California Aqueduct due to subsidence which is caused by over-pumping groundwater.  Both canals are currently streaming below capacity.

“The availability of a clean and reliable supply of water is the foundation of our valley economy. Farmers need water to feed the world and life becomes near impossible for residents who lack clean drinking water,” said Costa. “Critical to these water deliveries are the Delta-Mendota Canal and the California Aqueduct, which are decades old and showing their age. This bill will provide funding for the necessary repairs to restore and increase their resiliency. We need to invest in our water infrastructure now, for the future sustainability of our state.”

Rep. Costa hopes to get the bill signed into law before the end of the year so funding can be appropriated in the new fiscal year which begins October 1.

The Delta-Mendota Canal was built in 1951, while the California Aqueduct was built in 1963.

In addition, Rep. Costa is working with State of California and San Joaquin Valley water users to introduce legislation in February that will fund environmental compliance and restoration projects aimed at groundwater recharge, watershed health, restoration infrastructure and flood plain restoration. These pieces of legislation, in addition to the Disadvantaged Community Drinking Water Assistance Act, and Securing Access for the Central Valley and Enhancing (SAVE) Water Resources Act, make up a package of bills championed by Reps. Costa, Cox, and fellow valley Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10).