Rep. Costa Statement on State Water Project Allocation

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Following the Department of Water Resource's initial announcement of a 5 percentwater allocation for San Joaquin Valley Farmers, Congressman Jim Costa(D-Fresno) made the following statement.

"Thisis the worst news our farmers, farm workers and farm communities could havebeen told today. The water crisis has devastated our local economy andput thousands of Valley residents out of work. For the past 18 months,Congressman Cardoza and I have worked tirelessly to bring relief to ourValley. We have been able to secure funding for twenty-five waterprojects, pass legislation to ease water transfers, and continue to press forshort, mid and long-term solutions to this crisis. Today's news isunacceptable. We need immediate action from both Governor Schwarzeneggerand President Obama to ensure a stable water supply for Valley farms and citiesthis growing season."