News From…
Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California
Cardoza Supports Calvert CALFED Legislation |
||
Valley Lawmaker Opposes Efforts To Weaken Bill |
 |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2004 |
CONTACT: Bret Ladine (202) 225-6131 |
| WASHINGTON – Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, voted today in the House Committee on Resources to support a measure by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, that would accelerate the creation of additional water storage in the Central Valley.
Calvert’s legislation aims to keep CALFED, and surface storage projects in particular, moving forward expeditiously by allowing new storage projects to proceed once they are determined to be feasible by the Secretary of the Interior, unless Congress objects. In addition, the measure establishes a process to increase water supply for Valley farmers while improving water quality in the Delta. "The measure we voted on today is a monumental achievement because it brought together parties that, in the past, have been unable to agree," Cardoza added. "These stakeholders have worked diligently for months to develop some creative opportunities for additional conveyance. They have also addressed some of the extremely tough water quality problems in the Delta and issues faced by my constituents on the eastern side of San Joaquin County. These provisions are critical and must remain a part of the final CALFED bill." Cardoza voted against an amendment offered by Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, which would have stripped several provisions important to the Valley from the Calvert substitute. "I believe that any remaining concerns will be best addressed in the conference committee," Cardoza said. "I urge my colleagues to support this bill to continue moving the process forward. While I’ve just about given up hope of seeing additional water storage in my lifetime, I’m optimistic that my children will see some in their lifetimes." |
###
