April 26, 2023 - WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and John Curtis (UT-04) have introduced the Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act, which would provide flexibility for San Joaquin Valley water users to meet water quality standards and improve water storage.

Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21)

“Recent storms have eased some of the impacts of prolonged drought, but we need to further invest in our aging water infrastructure, so no individual, or community goes without access to clean drinking water and our farms and environment have a sustainable supply,” said Costa. “My legislation will build our water resiliency and prioritize investment in our water system.”

“It is essential that we streamline eligibility for water infrastructure projects,” said Rep. Curtis. “Over half a century ago, many water projects out west which were funded and managed by the federal government have changed hands. These projects are now in need of repairs or expansion but are ineligible for additional funding. Working alongside Rep. Costa; in short, this bill will fix ensure access to clean water for communities throughout the country.”

“As efforts to repair and expand water infrastructure continue across California, greater access to funding and financing is essential. This bill will open another important tool that water users can utilize to build water security and drought resilience, and I appreciate Representative Costa’s continued focus on water and agricultural priorities,” said Jason Phillips, Friant Water Authority.

"The San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority applauds Congressman Costa and Congressman Curtis for their efforts to expand the accessibility of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program," said Federico Barajas, Executive Director. "Expanding access to funding programs like WIFIA is a common-sense way to help fund necessary improvements to California's water infrastructure – improvements that support California's vibrant agricultural economy that feeds the nation, its technological hub in Silicon Valley, and the critical habitat that endangered species and migratory waterfowl depend on for their survival."

The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Amendments of 2023 would amend the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, a program that accelerates investment in our nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental loans for regionally and nationally significant projects.

The bill would clarify that federally owned infrastructure managed and operated by non-federal entities, such as the San Luis Delta-Mendota Water Authority and Friant Water Authority, are eligible for WIFIA financing.

The text of the bill can be found here.
Source: Congressman Jim Costa