Rep. James Gallagher

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPG) – Rep. James Gallagher has introduced legislation in Congress that would expand federal support for water storage projects, habitat restoration and infrastructure improvements throughout the Sacramento River Basin.

The measure, called the Doug LaMalfa Sacramento River Basin Water Security and Reliability Act, was introduced July 31 in the U.S. House of Representatives. If approved, it would extend federal authorities for water storage projects, authorize funding for ecosystem restoration and create a committee to coordinate water management efforts among federal agencies.

Among the bill's provisions is continued federal support for water storage projects, including the proposed Sites Reservoir. The legislation also would allow federal participation in operations and maintenance costs for qualifying projects that provide public benefits.

Gallagher said the proposal is intended to improve long-term water reliability while supporting environmental restoration.

"The Sacramento River Basin is the lifeblood of Northern California," Gallagher said. "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."

The legislation would authorize up to $500 million over the next decade for habitat restoration, salmon recovery and related conservation projects. It also would allow eligible water contractors to reinvest revenue from voluntary water transfers into drought resilience projects, maintenance and dam safety improvements.

Roger Cornwell, chair of the Northern California Water Association, said the organization supports the proposal.

"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."