Ag Council President Emily Rooney spoke in support of state funding for canal infrastructure repairs during a press conference this week, along with agricultural leaders and a bipartisan group of legislators led by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger), as well as Assemblyman Devin Mathis (R-Visalia) and Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) and others.
“We extend a heartfelt thank you to Senator Hurtado for initiating this effort and we thank Governor Newsom for his previous and proposed investments to repair the crucial infrastructure at the Friant Kern Canal, Delta Mendota Canal and the California Aqueduct to better provide for the future of our families, farms and the environment,” Rooney said.
“We must not delay in taking action this year. As we all know, our state’s economy is cyclical and right now we have a small window of opportunity to fund these types of projects. Now is the time to act before the surplus of general fund dollars is gone.”
Of note, Rooney said, “At a time when politics can be painfully difficult, we have a project that benefits all and this is reflected in the political diversity represented here today.”
Ag Council appreciates that Governor Newsom provides $100 million in his 2022-2023 budget plan and this funding is under consideration in the Senate and Assembly Budget Committees. Those pending dollars would combine with the $100 million already being implemented from the prior 2021-2022 budget year.
In addition, Senator Hurtado is requesting $300 million over the next five years to be provided for canal infrastructure repairs, and Ag Council supports this request.
Due to subsidence, the canals are damaged, and state dollars will fund repairs to improve water conveyance capacity and allow water to move more efficiently in the three canals. Amid the severe drought, such action is beneficial for agriculture, the environment and the approximately 30 million Californians who rely upon the canals to deliver clean, safe drinking water.
Click the Learn More link below to watch the video on YouTube. Emily Rooney’s remarks are at the 23 minute/35 second mark in the video.
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