Us Congress House Bill HB2419

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Refer: 5/8/23

Caption

Canal Conveyance Capacity Restoration Act

Impact

If enacted, HB2419 is expected to not only revitalize water delivery systems but also boost the state's capacity to recharge groundwater, which is essential in light of increasingly severe droughts. The bill authorizes federal appropriations meant to match local funding, effectively establishing a cost-sharing arrangement that mandates a maximum federal share of 33% for individual projects. This financial structure emphasizes a collaborative approach to managing water resources and aligns with broader goals of sustainable groundwater management as stipulated by existing California water laws.

Summary

House Bill 2419, known as the Canal Conveyance Capacity Restoration Act, seeks to provide financial assistance for projects aimed at addressing significant subsidence impacts on California’s water delivery system. The intent is to enhance the conveyance capacity of the state's canals, specifically focusing on the Delta-Mendota Canal and the Friant-Kern Canal. This legislation highlights the necessity to restore operational efficiency to mitigate the adverse impacts caused by subsidence, which threatens both water distribution and the successful delivery of critical resources to communities, especially disadvantaged populations.

Contention

Discussions surrounding the bill have revealed potential points of contention, particularly regarding funding allocations and accountability measures for projects undertaken under this act. Some stakeholders express concerns that the federal contribution may not be sufficient to offset the local financial burdens, resulting in inequities regarding water access and management among various California communities. Moreover, the emphasis on environmental compliance could lead to additional regulatory scrutiny, complicating timelines and potentially delaying project implementations.