Comment Letter: CALFED Reauthorization Passes House

July 9, 2004

Dear Coalition Members:

We are pleased to announce that CALFED reauthorizing legislation has just passed the House of Representatives by voice vote. 

HR 2828 by Resources Chairman Richard Pombo, Reps. Ken Calvert and Grace Napolitano was passed as amended under a manager's amendment, and contains the following highlights:

 * Authorization for an overall $427 million federal contribution over fiscal years 2005 to 2008
 * Language to authorize water storage projects after their feasibility studies are complete unless Congress explicitly disapproves them within 120 days.
 * Protections for upstream area-of-origin water rights holders.
 * Water quality improvements for in-Delta water users and export water.
 * Over $90 million in funding for flood control improvements.
 * Funding for ecosystem restoration and the Environmental Water Account.
 * Assurance that CALFED's four program elements move forward together in balanced   fashion.

Support for the legislation was nearly unanimous among the California Congressional Delegation. Representatives George Miller, Zoe Lofgren and Ellen Tauscher rose in opposition to the bill and the manager's amendment, objecting specifically to the 120-day disapproval process for storage projects.

Companion Senate legislation by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, S 1097, has passed its own policy committee this year and is currently awaiting its own Senate floor vote which could be scheduled in the weeks ahead.

Thanks to all of you for your rapid response yesterday and for your ongoing support of the CALFED Program authorization.

Jennifer Persike
Director of Communications / Outreach
Association of California Water Agencies
(916) 441-4545
Fax- (916) 325-2316