Skip to main content

Costa Introduces Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Legislation

May 31, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC - Last week, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, introduced legislation which would provide for a study regarding development of a comprehensive integrated regional water management plan which would address four general areas of regional water planning. This would include both the San Joaquin River Hydrologic Region and the Tulare Lake Hydrologic Region. The study would provide a plan for cities, counties, and water agencies to address and solve long-term water needs.

"Water is the lifeblood of our Valley, and we need to ensure there is a detailed road map in place to manage this resource in the 21st century as the Valley grows," said Costa. "This bill is a step in the right direction for jobs, recreation, and the environment. It will also help to improve water supply, water quality, and reliability for Valley residents and farmers."

Costa's bill, HR 2498, would award a grant to the California Water Institute, located at California State University, Fresno, to conduct a study coordinating and integrating sub-regional regional water management plans into a unified Integrated Regional Water Management Plan for Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties. Already, the bill has bi-partisan support from Congressman Devin Nunes (R- Visalia), Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Atwater), Congressman George Radanovich (R- Mariposa) and Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R- Bakersfield).

Congressman Costa will be available to the media to discuss his legislation tomorrow, May 31st, from 9am to 11am at his Fresno District Office. The office is located at 855 "M" Street, Suite 940, Fresno, CA.