Fong Announces Over $34 Million for Central Valley Water Projects

Image September 23, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) announced that over $34 million in federal grants has been awarded to two Central Valley water projects. The South Valley Conveyance and Storage Project (South Valley Project) in Kern County will receive $25 million and the Seaborn Reservoir Project in Tulare County will receive $9.28 million. Both grants come from the Bureau of Reclamation's Small Storage Grant Program. Congressman Fong led a letter with Congressman David Valadao in May 2026 urging the Bureau of Reclamation to fund the critical South Valley Project. The two also wrote an earlier letter in February 2026 requesting the Bureau include $25 million for the project in its FY2027 budget request. "Water is life in the Central Valley, and this investment of $34 million is vital for our farms, businesses, and families," said Congressman Fong. "These projects will expand water storage, improve groundwater levels, and give our region the tools it needs to capture and store water so that it is available when communities need it most. The Central Valley feeds America, and this funding is integral in helping us continue putting food on families’ plates across the country." “Today’s critical funding means we will be able to break ground on the South Valley Conveyance and Storage Project,” said Paul Cook, General Manager of the Irvine Ranch Water District, and Dan Bartel, General Manager of the Rosedale – Rio Bravo Water Storage District. “The Project will create 375 cubic feet per second of new conveyance capacity from the California Aqueduct across the San Joaquin Valley to new and existing groundwater banking facilities to capture water in wet years. We want to thank the Bureau of Reclamation for recognizing the water supply benefits this project provides to both the Central and Southern California, and our Congressional delegation for helping to secure the funding to move this water reliability project forward. We also want to specifically thank Rep. Fong and Rep. Valadao for their leadership and steadfast support for this project that will improve water conveyance and storage for the entire region.” “The Tulare Irrigation District’s receipt of funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the Seaborn Reservoir Project marks a major milestone in securing a more reliable and sustainable water future for the Central Valley,” said Aaron Fukuda, General Manager, Tulare Irrigation District. “We are grateful to our staff, consultants, congressional partners, and the Bureau of Reclamation for their tireless efforts and shared commitment to moving this critical project forward. Seaborn Reservoir is more than an investment in water storage—it is an investment in the farms, jobs, and communities that sustain our region. Regional storage projects like Seaborn are essential to strengthening water supply reliability, achieving groundwater sustainability, and ensuring that our agricultural communities remain vibrant and productive for generations to come.” California's farmers supply 40% of the United States' fruits and vegetables, meaning reliable water infrastructure in the Central Valley and across the state is a food security and national security imperative. Both the South Valley Project and Seaborn Reservoir Project will create additional groundwater sources and new conveyance facilities to boost storage capacity, enhance flood flow capture, increase water supply reliability during drought periods and times of emergency, and improve long-term water sustainability in the region. This funding builds on Congressman Fong’s long-standing commitment to Central Valley water. Since being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, he has: Secured $1 billion in western water infrastructure funding in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, with $540 million going specifically to California dams, canals, and water projects. Secured $5 million to combat invasive golden mussels in the FY2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Secured several local wins in the Water Resources Development Act, including for the Pine Flat Dam Raise, Eastman Lake Enlargement, Airborne Snow Observatories, and Wildfire Risk Assessment for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dams and reservoirs. Introduced the Water Infrastructure Resiliency Act to strengthen communities’ water systems and safeguard waterways. Secured $1 million for the City of Lemoore to purchase advanced metering infrastructure to improve water conservation, detect leaks, and protect groundwater resources. Secured $2 million for Groundwater Recharge Basin F Project to expand stormwater capture and improve groundwater quality in the Kaweah Subbasin. Secured $14.6 million to finalize operational requirements for the expanded reservoir at Lake Success, improving flood protection and water reliability for Tulare County. Secured $2 million to establish 3,300 acres of groundwater recharge basins in the Fresno Irrigation District, Consolidated Irrigation District, and Alta Irrigation districts to provide reliable groundwater supplies to farmers as well as local communities. ### Issues : Appropriations Congress