Rep. Gallagher introduces bill aimed at boosting Northern California water reliability | Covering California

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman James Gallagher introduced new federal legislation Friday that aims to improve water reliability across Northern California while investing in river restoration and long-term ecosystem health.

The Doug LaMalfa Sacramento River Basin Water Security and Reliability Act would support water storage projects, strengthen water infrastructure and provide funding for habitat restoration throughout the Sacramento River Basin.

According to Gallagher’s office, the Sacramento River Basin supplies water to millions of Californians and supports one of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions. The legislation is designed to improve water reliability while balancing environmental stewardship and fish habitat restoration.

“The Sacramento River Basin is the lifeblood of Northern California,” Gallagher said in a statement. “Our communities, our farmers, and our economy all depend on a reliable water supply. This legislation strengthens our water infrastructure while investing in the long-term health of our rivers so future generations can continue to benefit from these resources.”

Among the bill’s key provisions, it would:

Extend federal authorities supporting water storage projects, including the proposed Sites Reservoir.Authorize federal participation in operations and maintenance costs for qualifying water projects that provide public benefits.Create a federal leadership committee to improve coordination among agencies working on water reliability and ecosystem restoration in the Sacramento River Basin.Authorize up to $500 million over the next decade for habitat restoration, salmon recovery and other conservation efforts.Allow eligible water contractors to reinvest revenue from voluntary water transfers into drought resilience, dam safety improvements and other critical infrastructure projects.

Roger Cornwell, chair of the Northern California Water Association, said the legislation would help improve water reliability while benefiting agriculture, wildlife and communities throughout the region.

“The Sacramento River Basin is a working landscape where the water system supports communities, farms, fish, millions of migratory birds, recreation, and hydropower,” Cornwell said. “We can more reliably and affordably deliver water for all of California when we make strategic investments in the Sacramento River Basin.”

The legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, where it now awaits consideration.