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Backers of water storage projects seek support on Capitol Hill

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 29, 2008 at 6:34 am

From the Fresno Bee:

Supporters of two water-storage projects proposed in the central San Joaquin Valley are looking for help this week on Capitol Hill.

The Tule River Tribe wants to gather water in a new reservoir. Madera County officials want to collect water underground. Both require congressional help, and both face Bush administration skepticism.  The Porterville-based tribe’s proposed reservoir would pool water from the Tule River flowing from the Sierra Nevada. Ultimately, the proposed reservoir could cost roughly $150 million. For now, the tribe needs $3 million for a feasibility study.

The proposed Madera County water bank — a $90 million project — would percolate water into underground aquifers near Highway 99 and release it during dry years.  “It is part of our plan to stop the over-drafting of ground water in our district,” Madera Irrigation District board president Carl Janzen told a Senate subcommittee Thursday.

The projects have different histories, but they face similar hurdles.

One of those hurdles:

So far, the Bush administration opposes the Tule River feasibility study, with Bureau of Reclamation official Robert Quint last year calling it “premature” and potentially costly. On Thursday, Quint was voicing similar reservations about the Madera County water bank project.

Indian water rights is a significant issue here in the Western U.S.  In fact, western governors list Indian water rights as one of their major issues.  Check out Water Wired’s analysis by clicking here, or check out the USA Today’s article by clicking here.

February 29, 2008 · Filed Under Indian Water Rights, Water Storage

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