Rep. LaMalfa Comments on Feinstein Drought Bill, Shasta Dam Feasibility Study

Washington, DC – Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today commented on Senator Diane Feinstein's (D-CA) introduction of a drought relief bill and the Bureau of Reclamation's release of the final feasibility study of a proposed raise of Shasta Dam.

"Senator Feinstein's bill, while taking positive steps to improve water supply and advance new storage facilities, fails to sufficiently protect state water rights and ensure that no region of the state benefits at the expense of another. Every part of the state is suffering, and strengthening these provisions will focus the measure on aiding not just some, but all Californians," said LaMalfa. "I'm looking forward to working with Senator Feinstein and Senator Murkowski to put a bill on the President's desk that finally provides more water to the 38 million Californians currently forced to ration every drop."

The House drought bill passed earlier this month, H.R. 2898, includes an entire section (Title V) dedicated to preserving state water laws and ensuring that all regions of the state receive more reliable water supplies. However, Sen. Feinstein's bill only briefly addresses this issue, generating concerns that it could result in water simply being shifted from one area to another.

The Shasta feasibility study, which has been underway for a decade, has caused significant concern among residents who could be impacted if the level of Shasta Lake rose. Residents will finally be able to determine whether their homes or business would be impacted by higher lake levels. The study identifies an 18.5' raise of the dam as most feasible, which would generate an additional 640,000 acre-feet of water storage.

"Not only will this study help determine whether the project benefits California, which it may well be, it also ends the decade of limbo that local residents have faced," said LaMalfa. "California's voters spoke loudly last year in support of investment in water infrastructure, but ensuring that local residents, businesses and infrastructure are given proper consideration is key. Should this project move forward, I will work to ensure that those residents and businesses who could be affected are justly compensated and have an opportunity to relocate on the lake."

The study and related documents may be found here: https://www.usbr.gov/mp/slwri/documents.html

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California's First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.