BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Approve Recommended Position on Federal Legislation: H.R. 8166 (Cox) - Western Water Storage Infrastructure Act; and *H.R. XXXX - Coronavirus Stimulus Bill (Phase 4).
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
A. Adopt a position of "Support and Amend" on H.R. 8166 (Cox) - Western Water Storage Infrastructure Act; and
B. *Adopt a position of "Support and Amend" on H.R. XXXX - Coronavirus Stimulus Bill (Phase 4).
Body
SUMMARY:
A. H.R. 8166 (Cox) - Western Water Storage Infrastructure Act
Recommendation: Support and Amend
Priority: 2
This bill would address the continued need for new water supply and improved water infrastructure in California and throughout the arid West. With the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act expiring at the end of 2020 and much of the funding having already been exhausted, this bill would extend some of the WIIN Act provisions and authorize new storage funding. Key provisions include:
* Authorizes $800 million in new funding for water storage projects. This represents a significant increase over the $335 million authorized under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, funding that has already been appropriated.
* Preserves the WIIN Act process for projects that are already going through that process, including "State-led" projects like the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project.
* Reauthorizes the California Bay-Delta Restoration Act (CALFED) through fiscal year 2024, which would mean continued authorization for the San Luis Low Point Improvement Project for which the Pacheco Project is the Preferred National Economic Development alternative.
* Extends the Delta operations provisions of the WIIN Act for eight years. These provisions set direction for operation of the Central Valley Project with the goal of balancing water supply and environmental protection objectives.
Status:
The bill was introduced in the House on September 4, 2020, and was refe...
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