BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code ? 84308 Applies: Yes ? No ?
(If "YES" Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code ? 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Adopt Recommended Positions on Federal Legislation: S. 3732 (Gallego) - Water Security and Drought Resilience Act; S. 4213 (Durbin) - Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act of 2026; And Other Legislation That May Require Consideration by the Board.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
A. Adopt a Position of "Support" on S. 3732 (Gallego) - Water Security and Drought Resilience Act; and
B. Adopt a Position of "Support" on S. 4213 (Durbin) - Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act of 2026.
Body
SUMMARY:
A. S. 3732 (Gallego) - Water Security and Drought Resilience Act
Recommendation: Support
Priority Recommendation: 2
This bipartisan bill would authorize several programs at the Bureau of Reclamation that fund certain eligible water storage projects. These include:
* Small Storage Program: Authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program funds water storage projects with a capacity between 200 and 30,000 acre-feet. The bill would reauthorize the program through 2031.
* Natural Water Release and Retention Grants: The bill would authorize grants for projects that increase water availability through aquifer recharge, floodplain retention, or other means in a way that utilizes the natural environment or mimics natural ecosystems. The bill would authorize $15 million per year each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
* WIIN Act Section 4007 Storage: The bill would authorize the use of funding from Section 4007 of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act for eligible storage projects authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Status:
The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 29, 2026, and it was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. Senator Alex Padilla (CA) is an original cosponsor.
Importance to Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water...
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