Washington, DC -- T he U.S. Senate Energy Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer (both D-Calif.) that provides $389 million for a balanced program to increase water storage and restore sensitive ecosystems in California.

The measure being considered by the Committee is modified from earlier versions of the bill, developed in coordination with both the Republican and Democratic Committee staff, the Bush Administration, members of the House of Representatives, and California water stakeholders.

"This modified CALFED bill addresses the major questions raised by members of the Committee and the Administration, and yet still provides for California's water needs in a balanced manner." Senator Feinstein said. "All told, this is a strong bill, which I believe has a good chance of passing the Senate. It is my hope that the Committee will approve it today and the full Senate will act on it soon." 

"If Congress doesn't enact CALFED, there is not going to be enough water to meet California's needs. The last time California increased its water infrastructure was the 1960's. The State's population then was 16 million, less than half of the 36 million now - and less than one-third of the 50 million expected in 2020. This legislation is needed now."

Following is a summary of the modified legislation:

Authorization: The bill authorizes $389 million in new California water projects from FY 2005-2010, with a federal cost share limited to one-third for all projects. Existing authorizations for California water projects remain in place.

Cross-Cut Budget: A cross-cut budget is required so each responsible agency - not just the Bureau of Reclamation - will have to request the necessary authorizations out of their own budgets.

Balance: The bill evenhandedly provides for California's different water interests. The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior, the Governor, and the California Bay-Delta Authority to review annually whether the program's implementation is proceeding in a balanced manner. 

Record of Decision: The bill requires that program activities proceed consistently with the 2000 CALFED Record of Decision. This is an important framework for this bill, which helps ensure that water quality, water supply and fisheries protection all advance together.

Storage: The bill authorizes groundwater storage and feasibility studies for major new off-stream reservoirs, including the enlargement of Los Vaqueros reservoir, the raise of Shasta Dam, Upper San Joaquin surface storage, and Sites Reservoir. With these 4 storage projects, California could acquire an additional 3.2 million acre feet of storage.

Conservation, Efficiency, and Levee Stability: There are conservation projects, water recycling, and desalination, and levee stability projects.

Environment and Ecosystem Restoration: Ecosystem restoration projects are authorized by the bill, as is the Environmental Water Account, which provides water needed by salmon and other fish without taking from farmers' and cities' supply.

Conveyance and Water Quality: There are projects that would improve water conveyance, providing increased water to California's farms and cities, while also improving water quality in the Delta and elsewhere.

Land Acquisition: Land acquisition under the program must be consistent with the Record of Decision and address all components of the Program. If public land does not fulfill the project's purpose, land should be sought from "willing sellers"; and easements are preferred over fee acquisitions.

Governance: Federal agencies are authorized to participate in the California Bay-Delta Authority as non-voting members.

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