Valley water projects pass hurdle with Appropriations approval

From the Folsom Dam to the San Joaquin River, Central Valley water projects would receive tens of millions of dollars under an annual energy and water funding bill that was approved this week by the House Appropriations Committee. Pressed by Tulare Republican Devin Nunes and Mariposa Republican George Radanovich, the committee approved $4 million for San Joaquin River water-storage studies. This was nearly twice as much as the Bush Administration had proposed.
The bill includes $8 million for work replacing the Tule River’s earthen Success Dam and $35 million for work associated with the state and federal Cal-Fed program. This is about four times the amount Congress provided last year for Cal-Fed, which is designed to restore the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and ensure future water supplies for the region.
The full House is expected to consider the energy and water spending bill next week. It will still have to be reconciled with a version to be approved by the Senate, where fighting over judicial nominations and filibusters could complicate long-term legislative prospects.