While rainstorms blanket the state, California communities continue to persevere through longstanding drought. Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Central Valley), asks the Governor to relax restrictions, allowing the flow of water across the state. Below is a copy of the letter:
January 12, 2023
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor
State of California
1021 O St., Suite 900
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Governor Newsom:
Water needs to flow freely to the Central Valley. During this drought, farmers need water to save for the coming dry months in order to grow the food we eat, and communities need water for homes and businesses.
Rivers are reaching capacity and runoff is rampant while farms remain dry. Operational constraints are restricting flows through the Delta when water is needed most in the Central Valley.
We must act to allow more flexibility within the Interim Operations Plan and Incidental Take Permit to maximize the transportation and use of critical water supplies.
Acting quickly to capture additional storm water during this unprecedented level of precipitation could allow the flow of 80,000 acre feet of desperately needed water. When Mother Nature blesses us with rain, we need to save the water, instead of dumping it into the ocean. This water could be stored, refill groundwater basins, and revitalize entire communities that have suffered for years during the drought.
Swift action must be taken as quickly as possible to increase the amount of water moving through the state’s water conveyance system. While we work to improve the state’s water infrastructure, we ask that all restrictions on the pumping and flow of water through the Delta be immediately relaxed for the benefit of our farmers and communities.
Sincerely,
Vince Fong
Assemblyman, District 32
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916.813.8367 cell
Assemblyman Vince Fong represents the 32nd Assembly District, which encompasses Kern and Tulare Counties.