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WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Cardoza announced $40 million in economic recovery funds today that will be used for a host of water projects, the bulk of which are in and near the drought-stricken 18th Congressional District and will aid Central Valley farmers.
“I am pleased to see significant federal relief coming to the Valley. This region is in desperate need of funding to help alleviate the impacts of the drought,” said Congressman Cardoza. “I am pleased to see this kind of response after Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s recent visit to the San Joaquin Valley.”
The funding will go toward such projects as the installation of temporary pipelines and pumps, drilling and installation of new water wells, well-enhancement projects, and a groundwater monitoring effort. The funding is also aimed at helping three wildlife refuges by providing more reliable water sources and reducing the overall water demand on the Federal Central Valley Project.
“Every bit of help we can get right now is appreciated,” said San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority Executive Director Dan Nelson. “This funding will provide additional tools for this region that will assist us with our water supply crisis. We are very appreciative of Congressman Cardoza’s continued advocacy for our Valley’s water needs.”
The following awards were among the funded projects announced today:
Central California Irrigation District, Los Banos: $19,000
Funding will be used for a well enhancement project within the water district. The project will clean, develop, and install a pump and motor on an existing well. The well will then be able to move water within the district as well as to pump water to neighboring districts. The well enhancement project will increase the efficiency and yield of the well to make more water available for irrigation.
Del Puerto Water District, Patterson: $4,260,000
Funding will be used for 35 projects within the water district. The projects include about 2.1 miles of temporary pipeline, temporary lifts pumps, well enhancement and rehabilitation projects, and the installation of 25 new wells. The pipelines and lift pumps will be used to move water within the district as well as to pump water into the Delta Mendota Canal. The well enhancement and rehabilitation projects will increase the efficiency and yield of the wells to make more water available for irrigation. The additional wells will increase the availability of water for irrigation.
Firebaugh Canal Water District, Mendota: $475,000
Funding will be used for a water system improvement project within the water district. The project includes approximately 1 mile of temporary pipeline, temporary lift pumps, flow meters, and water valves. The pipeline and lift pumps will be used to move water within the district as well as to pump water into the Delta-Mendota Canal. The water system improvement project will address the immediate need of additional water within the district’s service area as well as the Delta-Mendota Canal service area and will increase the amount of water available for irrigation.
Grassland Water District, Los Banos: $2,098,500
Funding will be used for two projects within the water district. The projects include enhancement and rehabilitation of existing wells and the installation of new wells. The well enhancement and rehabilitation projects will increase the efficiency and yield of the wells to make more water available for irrigation and for wildlife habitat. The additional wells will increase the availability of water for irrigation and wildlife habitat
Pacheco Water District, Fresno: $755,500
Funding will be used for two projects within the water district. The projects include the enhancement and rehabilitation of seven existing wells. The well enhancement and rehabilitation projects will increase the efficiency and yield of the wells to make more water available for irrigation within the district’s service area. The additional wells will increase the availability of water for irrigation.
Panoche Water District, Firebaugh: $2,600,000
Funding will be used for six projects within the water district. The projects include about 2 miles of temporary pipeline, temporary booster pumps, well enhancement and rehabilitation projects, and the installation of five new wells. The pipelines and lift pumps will be used to move water within the district. The well enhancement and rehabilitation projects will increase the efficiency and yield of the wells to make more water available for irrigation. The additional wells will increase the groundwater availability of water for irrigation throughout the district’s service area.
San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority, Los Banos: $2,264,000
Funding will be used for a groundwater monitoring project throughout the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority service area in coordination with the U.S. Geological Survey. Groundwater wells will be used to document changes in aquifer levels and groundwater quality. Private contractors will be used to install 16 new wells that will be included in the monitoring program. Monitoring will also be conducted for possible land subsidence. The monitoring effort will protect the aquifer from overdraft and alert district member agencies of possible problems associated with groundwater extraction.
San Luis Water District, Los Banos: $1,450,000
Funding will be used for five projects within the water district. The projects include a well enhancement and rehabilitation project and the installation of four new wells. The well enhancement and rehabilitation project will increase the efficiency and yield of one existing well to make more water available for irrigation. The additional wells will increase the availability of water for irrigation.
West Stanislaus Irrigation District, Westley: $2,515,000
Funding will be used for 13 projects within the water district. The projects include about 1 mile of temporary pipeline, valves, flow meters, required fittings; well enhancement and rehabilitation on three projects, and the installation of nine new wells. The pipelines will be used to move water within the district as well as to pump water into the Delta-Mendota Canal. The well enhancement and rehabilitation projects will increase the efficiency and yield of the wells to make more water available for irrigation. The additional wells will increase the availability of water for irrigation.
Westlands Water District, Fresno: $7,500,000
Funding will be used for two projects within the water district. The projects include enhancement and rehabilitation of five wells and the installation of 15 new wells. The well enhancement and rehabilitation projects will increase the efficiency and yield of the wells to make more water available for irrigation. The additional wells will increase the availability of water for irrigation.
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