Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed two amendments by Congressman Cardoza aimed at increasing water flows for agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley. They were included in the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill that passed the House Friday.

“We all would like to see the pumps turned on and water flowing from the Delta to our farmers. I have fought for many years in the hopes that we could do just that,” said Congressman Cardoza. “But when it becomes abundantly clear that one way doesn’t work, we need to be open-minded and pursue other workable options. These practical, common-sense amendments are a significant means to help us address our water needs in the Valley.”

The first amendment will make it easier for water to be transferred from one county to another. Currently, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation restricts such transfers, creating an impediment to efficient and practical water movement during times of need. The amendment also directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a recovery plan for the giant garter snake, an endangered species. A recovery plan will remove the bureaucratic red tape that prevents water transfers from Northern California from moving forward.

The second amendment seeks to increase funding for the California Bay-Delta Restoration Program. It provides a $10 million down payment on important water projects such as the Intertie and Two Gates Project as California struggles to store, move, and transfer water to the people and farms most impacted by the shortage.

The amendments were introduced by Congressman Cardoza and his colleague Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno.

“Success is measured by action, not rhetoric. It is imperative we continue working to implement practical solutions until our water needs are met once and for all,” said Cardoza.