Congressman James Gallagher has introduced legislation aimed at improving water reliability and supporting ecosystem restoration throughout Northern California.
The proposed Doug LaMalfa Sacramento River Basin Water Security and Reliability Act focuses on expanding water storage, improving river restoration efforts, and strengthening long-term water management in the Sacramento River Basin.
According to Gallagher, the Sacramento River Basin supplies water to millions of Californians while supporting one of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions.
“The Sacramento River Basin is the lifeblood of Northern California,” Gallagher said in a statement. “Our communities, our farmers, and our economy all depend on a reliable water supply. This legislation strengthens our water infrastructure while investing in the long-term health of our rivers so future generations can continue to benefit from these resources.”
Among the bill’s provisions are an extension of federal authorities that support water storage projects, including the proposed Sites Reservoir, as well as authorization for federal participation in operations and maintenance costs for projects that provide significant public benefits.
The legislation would also establish a federal leadership committee to improve coordination among agencies working on water reliability and ecosystem restoration projects throughout the Sacramento River Basin.
In addition, the measure authorizes up to $500 million over the next 10 years for habitat restoration, salmon recovery, and other conservation efforts. It also would allow eligible water contractors to reinvest revenue from voluntary water transfers into drought resilience projects, extraordinary maintenance, and dam safety improvements.
Roger Cornwell, chair of the Northern California Water Association, said the Sacramento River Basin supports communities, agriculture, fish, wildlife, recreation, and hydropower. He said strategic investments in the basin can improve water reliability while benefiting fish and wildlife.
The Doug LaMalfa Sacramento River Basin Water Security and Reliability Act has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and awaits further consideration.
