Congressmen Cardoza, Denham, Costa Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Water Storage in Central Valley

Press Release

Today, U.S. Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA-18) joined Central Valley Congressmen Jeff Denham (CA-19), Jim Costa (CA-20), Devin Nunes (CA-21), and Kevin McCarthy (CA-22) in introducing a bill to increase water storage in the Valley while also improving flood control and creating jobs.

The bipartisan bill, HR 869, will increase the capacity of Lake McClure by modifying the existing spillway at the New Exchequer Dam. The legislation will allow temporary (2-8 weeks) storage of water in wet years within existing FERC Project boundaries, instead of releasing the excess water immediately when it is not needed downstream. HR 869 would create approximately 70,000 acre feet of additional water available, which is enough to supply about 160,000 homes. The project would also generate an additional 10,000 megawatt hours per year of clean, renewable energy for the Central Valley.

"Increasing our water storage capacity in the Central Valley is key to protecting our communities from flooding and preventing unnecessary water shortages that hurt our farmers and families," said Congressman Cardoza. "This low-cost, high-return project will also produce enough clean, renewable hydropower energy to serve an additional 1,700 homes in the Valley. Raising the spillway is a commonsense solution that will benefit our farmers and communities alike, and the Central Valley delegation will work together to pass this legislation."

"This bill will provide necessary water storage at no cost to the federal taxpayer, while increasing water available to farms and homes," said Congressman Denham. "The bill will increase power revenue, increase water storage and reduce flooding downstream."

"This legislation is a no-brainer for the Central Valley," said Congressman Costa. "Increasing our water storage capacity will mean more water, more jobs, and a stronger Valley economy. I am pleased to join with my colleagues in cosponsoring this bipartisan, commonsense measure."

Merced Irrigation District (MID) Director Dave Long added, "I am proud to be a new MID board member and part of this innovative water project. The water project will greatly enhance operations at Lake McClure by providing 70,000 acre ft of storage water available for multiple beneficial uses downstream. The spillway enhancement will create badly needed local jobs, green power for 1,700 houses and additional flood control for the Central Valley without cost to the public or government. I look forward toward working with members of both the Senate and the House on this valuable bill."

The bill will clarify the definition of flood control operations for purposes and maintenance of Project 2179 on the Lower Merced River. It will ensure that the level of Lake McClure does not exceed an elevation of 877 feet mean sea level.

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