Kings County Times

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WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) responded to the Bureau of Reclamation’s (Reclamation) updated 2024 water allocation announcement for Central Valley Project (CVP) contractors. The announcement revealed a 35% allocation for South-of-Delta agricultural repayment and water service contractors, up from the initial 15%. Additionally, Municipal and Industrial repayment and water service contractors will now receive 75% of their historic use, increased from 65%.

"These increased allocation numbers are welcome news, but they don’t go far enough to help our CVP contractors who have received well below their contracted supply for years," expressed Congressman Valadao. He further emphasized, "Recent storms and a strong snowpack should give Reclamation the flexibility to get Central Valley users the water they contract and pay for."

Central Valley agriculture contractors heavily depend on meaningful allocations from Reclamation for their yearly planning. Despite the recent adjustments, Central Valley farmers and communities have faced disproportionately low water allocations over the years, receiving less than their contracted supply even during wet years. Congressman Valadao, a lifelong dairy farmer, has firsthand experience of the challenges and frustrations surrounding this issue. He has persistently advocated for CVP allocations to align with the needs of the agriculture community, which serves as the backbone of the Central Valley economy.