Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) announces significant wins for the Central Valley included in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. Congressman Duarte worked with his Democratic and Republican colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to develop this legislation, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with his support on July 22, 2024, by a vote of 359-13.  

Congressman Duarte's Statement:  

“Valley families are facing a cost-of-living crisis: grocery, gas, and housing prices keep rising. This law will tackle that crisis by delivering water so that our farmers can grow affordable food. It will provide good-paying jobs by securing money to work on our canals, pipes, and levees. And, it will protect our families, farms, and neighborhoods from flooding while delivering clean drinking water to more working families” said Rep. Duarte. “I am proud to work with both Democrats and Republicans, and this law proves that working with both parties delivers results. The Valley priorities I included in WRDA 2024 will reduce grocery prices and create more good-paying jobs.” 

Key Priorities Congressman Duarte Included in WRDA 2024 for the Valley: 

1. Flood Risk Management:  

• Authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to improve levees and channels below the Buchanan Dam to reduce flood risk and support ecosystem restoration.  

• Directs the USACE to expedite a study to improve flood control structures in and around Stockton, Lathrop, and Manteca. 

• Authorizes the USACE to dredge rivers and streams in the San Joaquin River Basin to reduce flooding and improve channel flows. 

2. Water Supply Mission: 

• The WRDA 2024 bill adds water supply as a primary mission of the USACE. This will ensure more attention for our Valley’s water supply. 

3. Federal Authorizations for Valley Water Projects:

• $27.5 million for Madera County 

• $10 million for Stanislaus County 

• $10 million for Patterson, California 

• $4 million for Los Banos, California 

Background: 

• Congressman Duarte is a member of House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and serves on the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.   

• Congressman Duarte had a significant role in WRDA 2024 and securing multiple Valley priorities. 

• WRDA 2024 authorizes studies and projects that pertain to flood risk management, storm damage reduction, shoreline protection, ecosystem restoration, and local water projects. 

• Congressman Duarte continues to work across party lines to deliver results. 

• WRDA 2024 is now pending in the United States Senate.