Statement by Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority on the Conveyance Capacity Correction Act

Sacramento, CA –  “The San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (Authority) is pleased with the introduction of this important legislation that, if passed by Congress, will improve water supply reliability for communities and the ecosystem of the San Joaquin, San Benito and Santa Clara Valleys.

“The Conveyance Capacity Correction Act, authored by Representative Jim Costa, dedicates $400 million in federal funds to make necessary repairs to critical water supply infrastructure that conveys water to over 2 million acres of farmland, 25 million Californians, Silicon Valley’s high-tech industry, and over 200,000 acres of managed wetlands within the Pacific flyway.

“The Delta-Mendota Canal and California Aqueduct have been delivering water for more than 50 years and repairs are required for them to continue their reliable service. California’s economy is dependent on reliable water supplies and these facilities have been the backbone of that economy for decades. The funding included in this legislation will allow these vital facilities to continue to deliver the water that is so critical to Californians, including the farms that are the backbone of the San Joaquin Valley economy.

“The Western Water Storage Infrastructure Act, by Representative T. J. Cox, provides funding for surface storage, groundwater storage, and the conveyance facilities necessary to move water between them. Increasing California’s water storage and increasing the conveyance capacity of California’s water delivery system are essential to minimize the negative impacts to the San Joaquin Valley by full implementation of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.

“California produces more than 50 percent of the nation’s fruits, nuts, and vegetables, making these projects of national importance. Adequate and dependable water supplies are critical for the farms, the jobs they create, and the rural communities that are supported by those activities. Millions of birds that depend on the Pacific Flyway, as well as other threatened and endangered species, rely on the federal, state, and private wildlife refuges supplied with water from these projects during each year.

“The funding in this legislative package is important to maintain the Central Valley Project’s and the State Water Project’s ability to continue to meet the needs of Californians.” said Federico Barajas. “Every drop of water is important, and ensuring the continued efficient operation of the Delta-Mendota Canal and California Aqueduct, as well as supporting efforts to enhance surface and groundwater storage, is vital for California’s economy, its managed wetlands, and for the United States.”