Congress Overrides Bush’s Veto $370 Million Approved for Water Projects in Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY— The Santa Clara Valley Water District applauds Congress’ decision to override President George W. Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA).

After nearly seven years of waiting for this critical bill to pass, the Santa Clara Valley Water District is now able to provide better flood protection across the county as water infrastructure will be restored, strengthened and protected.

WRDA is a $23.2 billion bill, which includes more than 900 water-related projects across the country and will bring a focus on water issues from coast to coast through projects like storm protection and restoration along the Gulf Coast, to flood protection for communities living along the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta on the West Coast.

The focus of the Santa Clara Valley Water District is on several WRDA-authorized projects that are vital to the maintenance and protection of Santa Clara County's water resources.

“The projects in this bill will benefit the Bay Area tremendously,” said Water District Board of Directors Chairman Tony Estremera. “We’re looking forward to working with our legislators in Washington D.C. on implementing these projects.”

"We applaud the leadership of the Santa Clara County Congressional delegation and the hard work of Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer for leading the way in the historic overturn of the presidential veto."

In fact, the Water District Board Vice-Chair Rosemary Kamei and Director Richard Santos were present in Washington D.C. this week advocating for District projects and the successful enactment of this bill into law.

The Upper Guadalupe River Flood Protection Project: This project will provide protection for 7,500 homes and businesses along the Guadalupe River and long-term environmental benefits for fish and wildlife habitat.

South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Study: This project will restore 15,100 acres of South San Francisco Bay salt ponds, and will protect South Bay communities from flooding. The study is being partnered with the California Coastal Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, private parties, the District and other agencies.

Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project: This project will provide protection for 1,100 homes, 500 businesses, and over 1,300 acres of agricultural land in south Santa Clara County. The project will also protect and improve water quality and preserve the river’s fish, wildlife and habitat.

Also included in WRDA are two environmental infrastructure projects. The South Bay Advanced Recycled Water Treatment Project and the Bay Area Regional Desalination Project. These projects are in their early stages, but when completed will help meet the future demand for water in the Bay Area.

The bill authorizes all of these projects, but actual funding must be approved separately.