Statement by Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, on the One-Year Anniversary of Executive Order 14181

“The San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (Authority) appreciates the Department of the Interior’s leadership and the positive progress demonstrated on the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s Executive Order 14181,” said Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the Authority.

“The approval of the Record of Decision for the Sites Reservoir Project, and the recent adoption of Action 5 – the long-term operations plan for the Central Valley Project and State Water Project – are responsive to the President’s direction to modernize water operations and improve water supply reliability in California.”

“These actions reflect a clear federal commitment to maximizing water supply, strengthening system resilience, and advancing critical infrastructure projects after decades of study and collaboration,” Barajas continued. “The operational improvements advanced under Executive Order 14181 demonstrate what is possible when agencies are empowered to capture water during wet periods and manage the system more effectively.”

“This was demonstrated during the recent ‘First Flush’ Action—an operational measure designed to protect Delta Smelt during the first storms of the season. Implementing this action in coordination with state water managers allowed approximately 75,000 acre-feet of additional water to flow south of the Delta that would have otherwise been lost.”

“Delivering additional water within a single year underscores the value of streamlining operations and aligning regulatory processes with real-world hydrology. These improvements are already benefiting communities, agriculture, the environment and California’s broader economy.”

“We appreciate the leadership shown by the Administration and look forward to continued partnership.”