Feinstein Introduces Drought Relief Bill

Dianne Feinstein

Washington, DC — Legislation introduced by California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein calls for investing $1.3 billion over a ten year span on water projects.

It would allocate money for water desalination, recycling and additional storage. Related to desalination, it identifies 26 projects throughout the state that are capable of producing over 330,000 acre ft. of water per year. It would also allocate $50-million for desalination research projects.

Feinstein says the legislation also calls for taking steps toward the building of new reservoirs, or expanding existing reservoirs, noting that storing water during wet years for use in dry years is critical.

“I’m hopeful the bill we’re introducing today will serve as a template for the kinds of short-term and long-term solutions California needs to address this devastating drought,” Senator Feinstein said. “Next steps for this bill will include a public committee hearing in the fall.”

Feinstein expects that it may be included in wider drought relief legislation that could benefit the entire West. California House Republicans have introduced a competing drought relief bill. Click here to read an earlier story.