Costa Statement on CVP Initial Water Allocations
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Bureau of Reclamation announced the initial Central Valley Project 2017 Water Supply Allocations for south of Delta agricultural water districts including the member agencies of the San Luis Delta Mendota Water Authority, like San Luis Water District, Del Puerto Water District, Pacheco Water District, Panoche Water District and Westlands Water District. Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement:
"This year is tracking to be the wettest year on record in California, but as a result of policies that inhibit the movement and storage of water through California's broken water system, south of Delta agriculture water districts are receiving a 65 percent initial water allocation instead of their full contract amount. The delayed announcement, coupled with the partial water allocations in a year where California has been blessed with record rainfall is simply unacceptable. I sincerely hope it is not an indication of what is to be expected in future years with average or below average rainfall.
"Farmers are in the middle of planting season. They are assessing their resources, meeting with their bankers, and applying for business loans. This delayed water allocation announcement hinders farmers' ability to plant crops and sign contracts, which affects their bottom line and ultimately impacts California's agriculture industry and our nation's food supply. Continuing to operate our federal water projects as we have in the past simply doesn't work. During both wet and dry years, our farm communities are experiencing harmful impacts due to regulatory restrictions that do not reflect the best available science.
"Passing and signing the WIIN (Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation) Act last year was a good first step in fixing California's broken water system, but further action must be taken to invest in our water infrastructure and modify flawed policies to move California's water system into the 21st century."