Harder Pushes for $200 Million for Central Valley Water Infrastructure

WASHINGTON –Representative Josh Harder joined by Representative Jerry McNerney has sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and the leaders of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure urging that the final passage of the Water Resources Development Act include his provision— authorizing $200 million in federal investments for Central Valley water infrastructure. If passed, this investment represents one of the largest investments in the Valley’s history.

“We’re just steps away from passing one of the largest investments in Central Valley water in history and we can’t stop now. My legislation will send $200 million to our community to build the infrastructure needed for reliable drinking water, repair our aging levees, and make sure we’re prepared for the next flood. said Rep. Harder. “Today, I’m calling on Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, and all of Congress to pass this into law and finally do what’s right for the Valley. Our farmers, ranchers, and our whole community can’t wait any longer.”

The $200 million in authorized funds would be used in San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties toward enhancing water supplies, improving flood management, and providing clean drinking water. The Central Valley is currently experiencing the severe impacts of climate change with the worst megadrought in 1,200 years, resulting in  $1.7 billion in gross revenue losses and approximately 15,000 jobs lost. At the same time, due to worsening climate change, Central Valley is at risk of a ‘megaflood’ which is estimated to potentially cost up to $1 trillion in damages.

Read Rep. Harder’s letter below and online here.

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Chairman DeFazio, and Ranking Member Graves,

As negotiations continue, we write today to urge the inclusion of the Central Valley water infrastructure authority provision in the final Water Resources Development Act.

Earlier this year, in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 384 - 37, the House passed Section 337 of WRDA—which includes the Central Valley water infrastructure provision—an authorization of $200 million for San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties to make much-needed water infrastructure improvements. For a region that has been often overlooked and forgotten, this provision represents a critical step to unlocking federal funds that will help ensure the Central Valley obtains the infrastructure needed to access safe drinking water, improve flood management, and enhance water supplies, especially in the face of water shortages.

The Valley is experiencing the severe impacts of climate change with the worst megadrought in 1,200 years, resulting in  $1.7 billion in gross revenue losses and approximately 15,000 jobs lost. In addition to drought, this region is also vulnerable to severe flooding. Experts state that climate change has doubled the chances of a megaflood occurring in California with three of five most vulnerable floodplains located in the Valley—Modesto, Stockton, and Fresno. One megaflood could devastate these communities, costing upwards of $1 trillion dollars. Our water infrastructure is dated and desperately needs this federal investment to withstand the next natural disaster. We cannot wait until the next drought or flood to take action. 

I urge you to include this much-needed provision for the Central Valley in the final WRDA bill.  We thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Sincerely,

Josh Harder

Member of Congress