U.S. Rep. John Duarte representing California's 13th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. John Duarte representing California's 13th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) has announced notable achievements for the Central Valley in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. Collaborating with colleagues from both parties on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Duarte contributed to legislation that passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 22, 2024, by a vote of 359-13.
Duarte stated, “Valley families are facing a cost-of-living crisis: grocery, gas, and housing prices keep rising. This law will tackle that crisis by delivering water so that our farmers can grow affordable food. It will provide good-paying jobs by securing money to work on our canals, pipes, and levees. And it will protect our families, farms, and neighborhoods from flooding while delivering clean drinking water to more working families.” He emphasized bipartisan cooperation as key to these outcomes: “I am proud to work with both Democrats and Republicans, and this law proves that working with both parties delivers results. The Valley priorities I included in WRDA 2024 will reduce grocery prices and create more good-paying jobs.”
The WRDA 2024 includes several critical priorities for the Valley:
1. Flood Risk Management:
- Authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to enhance levees and channels below Buchanan Dam for flood risk reduction and ecosystem restoration.
- Directs USACE to expedite studies for improving flood control structures around Stockton, Lathrop, and Manteca.
- Authorizes USACE to dredge rivers and streams in the San Joaquin River Basin for flood reduction and improved channel flows.
2. Water Supply Mission:
- Establishes water supply as a primary mission of USACE to focus more attention on the Valley’s water needs.
3. Federal Authorizations for Valley Water Projects:
- $27.5 million for Madera County
- $10 million for Stanislaus County
- $10 million for Patterson, California
- $4 million for Los Banos, California
Background information highlights Duarte's role on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and its Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. His involvement was crucial in securing multiple priorities within WRDA 2024.
The bill authorizes studies and projects related to flood risk management, storm damage reduction, shoreline protection, ecosystem restoration, and local water initiatives.
WRDA 2024 is now awaiting consideration in the United States Senate.
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