Sen. Feinstein Addresses ACWA Conference; Unveils CALFED Bill -- California Capitol Hill Bulletin -- Volume 10, Bulletin 5 -- March 6, 2003

Sen. Dianne Feinstein spoke at a breakfast meeting of the Association of California Water Agencies during its annual Washington convention on Wednesday. At the breakfast, Sen. Feinstein detailed the provisions in the new CALFED bill, which she and Sen. Jon Kyl will introduce.

The bill will authorize $800 million in federal funding over three years, representing a one-third federal cost-share, and two-thirds state cost share. It provides $102 million for storage projects, including feasibility studies, $70 million for conveyance, and $110 million for water use efficiency. $95 million will also be available for local grants and projects and integrated regional plans.

The bill also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and other federal agencies to participate in the CALFED Bay-Delta Authority, and requires Interior to submit an annual report showing that the program is being implemented in a balanced manner. Sen. Feinstein stated that several provisions in the bill were drafted to deal with questions and concerns raised about previous versions of the bill.

The Senator urged the audience to contact their congressional representatives and encourage them to support the bill. She stressed that Californians must present a united front in order to get a reauthorization bill through the House and Senate. She also mentioned that she has spoken with Rep. Ken Calvert (Corona) who sponsored the House CALFED bill last year, and is expected to do so again this year.

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