Boxer Lauds Progress on Central Valley Water Project

$14.6 Million Award Will Create Jobs, Help Ease Water Shortages

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today praised the Bureau of Reclamation’s announcement of a $14.6 million contract from the Economic Recovery Act to begin construction of the Delta Mendota Canal/California Aqueduct Intertie project.

Senator Boxer said, “This critical project will create jobs and provide relief for the San Joaquin Valley by making it easier to move water where it’s needed, when it’s needed. When completed, the Intertie will connect the federal Delta Mendota Canal and the state California Aqueduct, ensuring more reliable water supplies to Valley farmers and communities across California.”

Senator Boxer has been a vocal supporter of the Intertie project. She requested $22 million for the project as one of her FY 2011 funding priorities. In April, the Bureau of Reclamation announced that the project had been selected to receive funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Today’s announcement moves the project forward to the construction phase.

The Intertie will consist of a pipeline and pumping plant connecting the Delta Mendota Canal and the California Aqueduct, which will improve the flexibility of operations between the federal and state water projects and provide more dependable water supplies to communities in need.

The $14.6 million award will allow for the construction of a pumping station and underground pipeline connection, as well as the installation of four pumps and motors and an electrical switchyard. Construction will begin in fall 2010 and is expected to be completed by early 2012.

This project will benefit a variety of agricultural, urban and suburban communities throughout central and southern California, particularly agricultural communities on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley that have been suffering from severe water shortages.