[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 145 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2491-E2492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE ``WATER TRANSFER FACILITATION ACT OF 2009''

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 2009

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, yesterday with Congressman Cardoza I 
introduced the ``Water Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009.'' Given the 
overwhelming water user support we received for this bill, I am 
submitting additional letters in connection with this bill.

                                                 San Joaquin River


                                              Water Authority,

                          San Joaquin Valley, CA, October 5, 2009.
     Re Support for Transfer Legislation for the Central Valley 
         Project.

     Hon. Jim Costa,
     Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Costa: On behalf of the San Joaquin River 
     Exchange Contractors Water Authority (Exchange Contractors), 
     we thank you for introducing transfer legislation for the 
     Central Valley Project (CVP)

[[Page E2492]]

     and we support your efforts and this legislation as a means 
     of providing greater flexibility for management of CVP water 
     supplies.
       The diminished water deliveries to the CVP as a result of 
     various regulatory restrictions, including the most recent 
     delta smelt and salmon Biological Opinions and three years of 
     below average precipitation statewide, have, as you know, 
     created a desperate situation in the San Joaquin Valley.
       While long-term solutions are being sought, numerous short 
     term efforts are needed to help bridge the water supply gap 
     and great flexibility, as provided in your legislation, to 
     move water supplies within the San Joaquin Valley would be a 
     useful tool.
       The Exchange Contractors consist of four member agencies 
     serving over 240,000 acres in the San Joaquin Valley in 
     Fresno, Madera, Merced, and Stanislaus Counties.
       We look forward to engaging in this effort and working 
     closely with you and your staff in advancing this legislation 
     and addressing California water issues.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Steve Chedester,
     Executive Director.
                                  ____



                                      San Luis Water District,

                                   Los Banos, CA, October 5, 2009.
     Re Water Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009.

     Hon. Dianne Feinstein,
     U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
     Hon. Barbara Boxer,
     U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
     Hon. Dennis Cardoza,
     House Representatives, Longworth Building, Washington, DC.
     Hon. Jim Costa,
     House of Representatives, Longworth House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Feinstein, Senator Boxer, Mr. Cardoza, and Mr. 
     Costa: I am writing on behalf of the San Luis Water District 
     and its Board of Directors. We strongly support the Water 
     Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009. Given the regulatory 
     impacts of recent Biologic Opinions, the survival of our 
     commercial, residential and agricultural water users is 
     increasingly dependent on supplemental water transfers. Your 
     legislation will bring important reform to existing transfer 
     authorization and this essential water management tool.
       Coping with chronic water supply shortages impacting the 
     Central Valley Project requires implementation of best 
     management practices including water transfers. The need to 
     transfer water is often urgent. Regrettably, bureaucratic 
     process can unnecessarily thwart successful execution of a 
     transfer. Your legislation will improve the capability of 
     water managers throughout the State to effectively and 
     efficiently respond to the ongoing crisis.
       Your continuing efforts to address these important matters 
     are critical and deeply appreciated.
           Sincerely,
                                               Martin R. McIntyre,
     General Manager.
                                  ____



                                     Westlands Water District,

                                      Fresno, CA, October 6, 2009.
     Re Water Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009.

     Hon. Dianne Feinstein,
     U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Feinstein: I am writing on behalf of Westlands 
     Water District to express its support for your bill, the 
     Water Transfer Facilitation Act of 2009, authorizing certain 
     transfers of water in the Central Valley Project and other 
     purposes. Water transfers are a critical tool for providing 
     water supplies for areas that are faced with chronic water 
     supply shortages. However, the approval process for many 
     transfers often distract from their usefulness. Your 
     legislation will bring important reform to existing transfer 
     authorization thus increasing the efficacy of this essential 
     water management tool.
       As you are keenly aware, the chronic water supply shortages 
     impacting the area of the San Joaquin Valley served by the 
     Central Valley Project demands that water users in the 
     affected area rely on water transfers. Moreover, the need to 
     transfer water is often urgent and in response to climactic 
     conditions that are frequently sporadic and ephemeral. 
     Regrettably, bureaucratic process can unnecessarily thwart 
     successful execution of a transfer. The clarity your 
     legislation brings to existing authorizations will only 
     improve the capability of water managers throughout the State 
     to effectively respond to the ongoing crisis and put our 
     scant water resources to use even more efficiently.
       The westside of the San Joaquin Valley is inarguably the 
     most transfer dependent region of the State. Your efforts to 
     address this important matter are greatly appreciated. If 
     there is anything I can do to be of help in connection with 
     your efforts, please let me know.
           Very truly yours,
                                             Thomas W. Birmingham,
     General Manger/General Counsel.

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