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Costa, Cox Statement on Water Allocation Announcement

March 19, 2019

March 15, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives TJ Cox and Jim Costa released the following statement in response to the Bureau of Reclamation announcement (BOR) of water allocations for the Central Valley Project (CVP).

"I'm pleased that the Central Valley Project has listened to the concerns I raised last month and agreed to raise their allocations for communities and farmers here in the Valley" said Congressman TJ Cox. "This is a step in the right direction – however, given the level of precipitation so far this year, we need to do more. The agency must explain why we are not yet at 100% of the requested allocation for our South-of-Delta contractors – and we must work together to figure out a long-term plan to address the Valley's water needs."

"While we're happy to see parts of the Valley will get 100% in allocations, it's more than disappointing some water users in my district will not receive their fair share," said Congressman Costa. "The state's rainfall totals this year are at historic levels, so if not now, then when? Today's announcement only goes to show that California's water system is broken. I intend to inquire with the Bureau of Reclamation why it cannot deliver more water. It makes no sense."

Rep. Cox and Costa sent a letter to the BOR on February 12th urging the bureau to increase water allocations to the Central Valley Project (CVP) based on the current year's rain totals. Today's announced allocation areas and percentages are as follows:

  • North of the Delta, in-Delta and American River contractors, for agricultural water service and municipal and industrial service contractors: allocations increased to 100 percent.
  • South-of-Delta agricultural water service contractors: allocations increased to 55 percent.
  • South-of-Delta for municipal and industrial contractors: allocations increased to 80 percent of their historic use.