Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Cardoza testified in support of legislation today that would provide immediate aid to drought-stricken farmers in the San Joaquin Valley.

“This bill is a step toward introducing flexibility back into the system and returning sanity to a debate that has veered dangerously off course and become dangerously partisan,” said Cardoza, speaking before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. 

The legislation, HR 4224, was introduced by Congressman Jim Costa with Congressman Cardoza’s support. Under the bill, matching fund requirements could be reduced or waived for local governments and entities seeking federal assistance in drought relief projects. The legislation would be especially useful for projects that have been through the planning process but lack enough matching funds to begin work.

For example, Patterson Irrigation District has a project that would construct a fish screen and pipeline near its pumping station allowing water transfers to the West side. However, the district has not been able to obtain enough local matching funds to construct the project. It is projected to make available more than 100,000 acre feet of water for transfers to other parts of the Valley.

Among those providing testimony before the committee was John Sweigard, who is currently the General Manager of Merced Irrigation District and the prior General Manager of Patterson Irrigation District.

“The benefits of these projects and the ability to move an additional 100,000 acre feet per year to the drought stricken San Joaquin Valley are undeniable,” he told the subcommittee. “The fishery protection benefits are also clearly evident.”

Director of California Department of Fish and Game John McCamman also testified in support of the goals of the legislation.

“Agriculture is not only the backbone of California’s economy, but provides valuable habitat for much of California’s wildlife,” he said.

Congressman Cardoza said he would continue to do all he could to support the legislation and other common-sense measures to address the Valley’s water supply crisis.

“As I have said before, I believe the pumps should be turned on. However, we must continue to pursue every possible means of providing water to our farmers and making the best possible use of the water we have.”