Washington, D.C. – U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar today announced that the Bureau of Reclamation will invest $40 million in stimulus funds in drought relief projects in California as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). These funds include $29.7 million for water projects in the San Joaquin Valley, where water shortages are critical.

Following is the statement of Senator Feinstein:

"I am glad to hear that the Bureau of Reclamation is investing these funds where they are needed most: in California, where the lack of water is harming the economy and putting people out of work.

“Now, thanks to these stimulus funds, more than $40 million will flow into our state and help pay for water infrastructure and drought relief projects. The need for these funds is especially critical in the San Joaquin Valley, which will receive more than $29.7 million to repair water infrastructure; build wells, pumps and pipes; monitor aquifers for overdraft issues; and create jobs for Californians."

For more information and project list: http://www.doi.gov/documents/BORDroughtProjectList.pdf

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