Statement by Senator Feinstein

- On a Landmark Agreement on Colorado River Water -
September 29, 2003

"After years of often bitter negotiations, the Southern California water agencies that tap the Colorado River have finally agreed on a plan that could lead to peace in their lengthy water wars. Today is a landmark occasion in that effort as Governor Gray Davis signs legislation implementing that agreement.

Richard Katz and others on the Governor's staff have worked tirelessly and refused to accept failure in these marathon negotiations. Many others deserve great credit for this legislation, including Assistant Secretary of the Interior Bennett Raley, the water districts involved in the agreement, and the California legislature.

The agreement will help ensure the stability of California's water supply in several important ways.

First, it gives California a "soft landing" so that we can gradually reduce our use of the Colorado River down to our allotted 4.4 million acre feet. California gains the assurance that to the extent surplus water is available, it can take up to an additional 800,000 acre feet of water this year, or enough water for 1.6 million families. As California ramps up its new water supplies, we will scale back our use of this surplus.

Second, the agreement provides up to $320 million and a framework to begin to restore the Salton Sea. We can now work together to restore the Salton Sea as an oasis for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway, rather than seeking to assign blame for the Sea's continued deterioration.

Finally, I am deeply pleased that two agricultural water districts - Imperial and Coachella - have found common ground with two urban water districts - Metropolitan and San Diego - to achieve this tentative agreement. I am very hopeful that the districts will build on their accomplishments so far and formally ratify this agreement."

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