Rep. Gallagher Introduces Doug LaMalfa Sacramento River Basin Water Security and Reliability Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) introduced the Doug LaMalfa Sacramento River Basin Water Security and Reliability Act, legislation to strengthen water reliability across Northern California by supporting water storage, improving river restoration, and protecting the Sacramento River Basin for future generations.

The Sacramento River Basin supplies water to millions of Californians and supports one of the nation's most productive agricultural regions. The legislation builds on years of work to improve water reliability while supporting healthy rivers and fisheries, recognizing that responsible water management and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

"The Sacramento River Basin is the lifeblood of Northern California," said Congressman Gallagher. "Our communities, our farmers, and our economy all depend on a reliable water supply. This legislation strengthens our water infrastructure while investing in the long-term health of our rivers so future generations can continue to benefit from these resources."

Among its key provisions, the legislation extends critical federal authorities supporting water storage projects, including the proposed Sites Reservoir, while authorizing federal participation in operations and maintenance costs for projects that provide significant public benefits. It also establishes a federal leadership committee to improve coordination among agencies working to advance water reliability and ecosystem restoration throughout the Sacramento River Basin.

The bill further authorizes up to $500 million for habitat restoration, salmon recovery, and related conservation efforts over the next decade. It also allows eligible water contractors to reinvest revenue from voluntary water transfers into drought resilience, extraordinary maintenance, and dam safety improvements, helping strengthen water infrastructure across the region.

"The Sacramento River Basin is a working landscape where the water system supports communities, farms, fish, millions of migratory birds, recreation, and hydropower," said Roger Cornwell, Chair of the Northern California Water Association. "We can more reliably and affordably deliver water for all of California when we make strategic investments in the Sacramento River Basin. The Doug LaMalfa Sacramento River Basin Water Security and Reliability Act is an important step forward to provide these important investments in reliable water supplies for our communities and agricultural economy while creating better outcomes for fish and wildlife."

The Doug LaMalfa Sacramento River Basin Water Security and Reliability Act now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives.