Costa Statement on San Luis Unit Drainage Resolution Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee held a mark-up on H.R. 1769, the San Luis Unit Drainage Resolution Act. Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) offered one amendment during the committee mark-up and gave remarks. H.R. 1769 passed out of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.

"Passage of the San Luis Unit Drainage Resolution Act would provide Congressional authorization of the negotiated settlement agreement reached between the Obama Administration and Westlands Water District," said Rep. Costa. "The agreement, which took over two years of negotiating, ensures that the water district will use efficient irrigation practices, reuse shallow groundwater, and will be subject to all drainage and environmental laws. Additionally, authorization of the agreement would eliminate the $3.8 billion tax burden that Americans are currently obligated to pay and would move the responsibilities of drainage obligations from federal to local control."

Costa continued saying, "Agriculture is the backbone of the San Joaquin Valley's economy, and this legislation will help ensure that agricultural land in the San Joaquin Valley continues to produce the healthiest fruits and vegetables in the world. The San Luis Unit Drainage Resolution Act is a solution ensuring that the land in the Westlands Water District of the Central Valley Project remains productive, but we still must continue to work together to advance legislation that includes the northerly districts of the San Luis Unit, including the San Luis Water District."

On April 25, 2017 the United States and the San Luis Water District entered a drainage agreement and needs Congressional authorization.