16 Members of the CA Democratic Congressional Delegation Urge Gov. Jerry Brown to Seek Drought Relief under the Recently Passed Omnibus Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sixteen members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation (CDCD), chaired by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), released the following letter today urging Governor Jerry Brown to seek assistance and relief for the state's drought offered under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014, more commonly known as the Omnibus Bill. The following is the full text of the letter which can also be viewed by clicking here:

January 16, 2014

The Honorable Edmund G. Brown, Jr.

Governor

State of California

State Capitol, Suite 1173

Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Recent Passage of the Emergency Drought Relief Act and Requesting the Declaration of a Drought Emergency.

Dear Governor Brown:

As members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, we would like to commend you for your leadership on California water issues and look forward to working with you on addressing the California Drought. On January 15, 2014, the House passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014, which is expected to be approved by the Senate and signed by the President later this week. Included in the Act are several provisions important to the management of California's water resources. We are strong supporters of Section 206 of the bill that reauthorizes the Bureau of Reclamation's Emergency Drought Relief Act program.

The Emergency Drought Relief Act provides the Bureau of Reclamation with authorities to help minimize or mitigate drought damages and loss in the West. These authorities include the construction of temporary facilities, the drilling of wells, and the ability to issue contracts to move non-project water on project facilities. The Act also helps to facilitate water transfers from willing sellers to willing buyers, and allows Reclamation to work with states to prepare drought contingency plans.

However, the authorities under this Act do not occur automatically. The Governor must first issue a drought declaration in the state prior to the Secretary of the Interior determining whether assistance is merited. Given that the most recent Department of Water Resources snowpack survey showed that the snowpack is 20% of normal, we must ensure that the federal agencies have the authorities to take action. Congress has taken the necessary steps, and we respectfully ask that you declare a drought emergency so that these provisions are put in place right away.

Sincerely,

Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-36)

Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16)

Rep. John Garamendi (CA-3)

Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-32)

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19)

Rep. Loretta Sanchez (CA-46)

Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-6)

Rep. Tony Cardenas (CA-29)

Rep. Sam Farr (CA-20)

Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod (CA-35)

Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-9)

Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41)

Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-2) Rep. George Miller (CA-31) Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27)

Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5)