Reps. Adam Gray, D-Merced, and Jim Costa, D-Fresno, proposed a bill to allocate $4.4 billion for water infrastructure projects in the Central Valley. The bill aims to improve delivery and storage of water, build or repair wells, canals, and conveyances, and reduce flood risks.
The package includes three bills: the Central Valley Water Solution Act, which would increase regional water storage capacity, the WATER Act, which codifies provisions of Executive Order 14181 for interagency oversight cooperation, and the Build Now Act, which creates a one-year enforceable timeline for certain environmental reviews.
Billions of dollars will be allocated to repair canals, including $830 million to fix the Delta-Mendota Canal, $850 million to repair the San Luis Canal and California Aqueduct, and $730 million for Phase II of the Friant-Kern Canal.
Leaders say the bill cuts red tape for many projects and brings Central Valley water infrastructure into the future. Reps. Gray and Costa believe that improved water infrastructure will help prepare the region for the future and provide reliable water supplies for families, farms, and communities across California.
“This pragmatic approach will cut through years of red tape and accelerate projects that will make a difference now,” said Allison Febbo, general manager of Westlands Water District.
Source: https://gvwire.com/2025/12/17/costa-gray-propose-4-4-billion-for-central-valley-water-projects