Kings County Times

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) passionately advocated for the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) to boost water allocations for South-of Delta agricultural repayment and water service contractors. This plea comes after Reclamation initially announced an allocation of 15% for these contractors.

In his address on the House Floor, Congressman Valadao emphasized the current favorable water conditions in California, stating, "Every major reservoir in our state is above the 15-year average, and our snowpack in the Sierras is at more than 100% of the average for this time of year." Despite these positive indicators, he expressed disappointment that South-of-Delta farmers have not received their full contracted water allocation, calling it "unacceptable."

Highlighting the significance of water allocations for agricultural planning, Congressman Valadao stressed the crucial role these allocations play in determining crop types and planting schedules for Central Valley Project contractors. He underscored the vital contribution of California's agricultural sector, which accounts for a quarter of the nation's food production, making these allocations essential for the nation's food supply.

In his closing remarks, Congressman Valadao reiterated his call to Reclamation, stating, "Our ability to grow food for the nation will not survive without a reliable water supply for South-of-Delta agriculture."

The Congressman's impassioned plea reflects the pressing need to ensure adequate water resources for South-of-Delta contractors amid favorable water conditions in the state.