Rep. Calvert Votes for Critical Water Infrastructure Amidst Ongoing California Drought

May 1, 2015

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (240-177) of the House of Representatives in approving the Fiscal Year 2016 Energy and Water Appropriations bill.

"The drought in California continues to highlight the importance of investing in critical water infrastructure projects," said Rep. Calvert. "The bill approved by the House today will help fund a number of projects, both in California and around the country, that are essential to maintaining water supplies and flood control. Despite these investments, far too many projects, especially water storage projects in California, continue to be studied to death. Thankfully, California members of the Appropriations Committee have inserted language in the bill that will require federal agencies to complete these studies by specified dates in the near future."

Fiscal Year 2016 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill Highlights

(Courtesy of the House Appropriations Committee)

CALIFORNIA DROUGHT

The Appropriations Committee approved an amendment by Congressman David Valadao (CA-21) that would direct the Bureau of Reclamation to complete the Shasta and Temperance Flats feasibility studies by the end of this year; the Los Vaqueros and Sites Reservoir feasibility studies by November 30, 2016; and the San Luis Reservoir lowpoint improvement project, which is studying how to increase San Luis Reservoir, by December 31, 2017.

INVESTING IN AMERICAN INFRASTRUCTURE

Protects funding for critical national and regional waterways that handle commerce valued at more than $1.7 trillion annually.

Allows for full use of Inland Waterways Trust Fund annual revenues, and provides $1.18 billion from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund ($73 million above last fiscal year).

Focuses Army Corps of Engineers funding on projects that will have a direct impact on public safety, job creation, and the economy, including:

Advancing American competitiveness and export ability by including $2.4 billion for navigation projects and studies.

Supporting public health and safety by funding flood and storm damage reduction activities at $1.6 billion.

Upgrades our nation's electric grid by providing $140.5 million for research and development.

Keeps the Yucca Mountain licensing process going, providing $150 million for the Nuclear Waste Disposal Program.

Cutting the Administration's Red Tape

Prohibits implementation of the "Waters of the U.S." rule, which could have devastating effects on American farmers and ranchers, small businesses, and other economic development activities.

Prohibits the Administration from changing the definitions of "fill material" and "discharge of fill material" - which could shut down coal and other mining operations and damage our economy.

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