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Rep. Costa Secures Federal Funding For Semitropic Water Storage District

July 18, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced today that $1,500,000 in federal funding was secured for Semitropic Water Storage District in the Fiscal Year 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which the House of Representatives approved yesterday by a vote of 312 to 112.

Following yesterday's House floor action, the bill will head into a Conference Committee where the House and Senate will resolve the differences between their versions. Following conference, the bills will again be sent to the House and Senate for final approval, after which they will be sent to the President for his signature.

"These are vital funds to Semitropic to help expand groundwater storage capacity," said Costa. "Water storage will always be a critical need in our Valley, and these funds come at the right time to help Semitropic expand their current capacity level."

Costa has long been a strong advocate for water issues in the Valley and California, both during his time in the State Legislature and in Congress. Recently, Costa helped form the Congressional Water Caucus with goals of promoting dialogue among Members of Congress and staff about water quality, supply and access.

In a year where California is experiencing drought conditions, these funds will be used to provide facilities toward an ultimate goal of an additional 650,000 acre feet of storage and a minimum of 200,000 acre feet per year of recovery capacity cited in the CALFED Record of Decision. Groundwater storage, such as the Semitropic project, is a significant and necessary part of providing a reliable water supply for Valley farmers and provides the opportunity to partner with urban water users who participate with Semptropic.