Contra Costa Canal Transfer Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

First, I would like to thank the Contra Costa Water District and the Bureau of Reclamation for their support and guidance in putting this bill together. I would also like to thank Senators Feinstein and Harris for carrying this bill in the Senate.

The bill transfers ownership of the Contra Costa Canal from the Bureau of Reclamation to the Contra Costa Water District.

The Contra Costa Water District currently operates and maintains the canal system as part of its infrastructure for providing water to half a million people. However, the Bureau of Reclamation still owns the canal, which it began building in 1937.

The transfer of the canal to local ownership will allow Contra Costa Water District to invest in much-needed upgrades, repairs, and to provide safety and environmental benefits to its customers.

Contra Costa Water District intends to invest an estimated $650 million to enclose the pipe, which will mitigate flood risk to the surrounding community, extend the useful life of this infrastructure for another 80 years, and prevent drownings, which currently average about one per year.

I appreciate that the Contra Costa Water District has conducted extensive outreach for the local communities and has broad support in the district.

This bill also acknowledges an agreement with the East Bay Regional Park District, which will continue to maintain important recreational opportunities along the canal.

In closing, I would like to thank Chairman Bishop and Ranking Member Grijalva for their support in moving this legislation forward that will have enormous benefits for our community.

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