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Statement by Federico Barajas regarding the June Water Allocation Update by the Bureau of Reclamation

The United States Bureau of Reclamation (“Reclamation”) updated the Central Valley Project 2024 water supply allocation today. Since the last allocation update in April, water conditions in California have improved, and export restrictions associated with the implementation of the Endangered Species Act and the 2024 Interim Operations Plan have lessened.

Congressional Letter on Allocations

As the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (“Reclamation”) considers modifications to Central Valley Project (CVP) water allocations for south-of-Delta agricultural water service and repayment contractors, we write to urge you to provide a substantial increase in water allocations. As temperatures rise, the current water allocations have the potential to reduce crop productivity, as well as reduce the flexible use of all available water types to Central Valley residents and communities. To maximize agricultural productivity and the flexible use of water contractor portfolios, we request that Reclamation provide an update in June that increases allocations.

Delta-Mendota Canal and O’Neill Pumping Plant Awarded Bureau of Reclamation Funding for Critical Upgrades and Repairs

The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded to San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (“Water Authority”) $61.6 million in funding from the federal Aging Infrastructure account for work necessary to restore water conveyance capacity in the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC) as well as critical maintenance and upgrades at the O’Neill Pumping Plant.

San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority Receives $15 million grant for Delta-Mendota Canal Floating Solar Project

The San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (SLDMWA) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $15 million grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for its Delta-Mendota Canal Floating Solar Project. This grant, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will support the development, installation, and operation of a solar-over-canal pilot project and associated study to assess the viability of floating solar technologies on the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC).

Photo of Federico Barajas

Statement by Federico Barajas regarding the March Water Allocation Update by the Bureau of Reclamation

Today, the United States Bureau of Reclamation (“Reclamation”) provided an update to the initial Central Valley Project 2024 water supply allocation announced in February. Since making initial allocations last month, snowpack conditions have improved to now average conditions, Shasta and San Luis Reservoirs have experienced increases in reservoir storage levels, but San Joaquin River flows are below normal and CVP export operations have been limited by Endangered Species Act requirements.