WASHINGTON — Representative Adam Gray (CA‑13) has introduced a sweeping federal water package designed to accelerate long‑delayed infrastructure projects, expand storage capacity and streamline permitting — a proposal that could reshape water reliability for Westside communities that have long been at the center of California’s water crisis.
The End the California Water Crisis Package, unveiled last week, includes three bills: the Central Valley Water Solution Act, the WATER Act and the Build Now Act. Together, they aim to modernize California’s water system by authorizing new storage projects, improving federal coordination and imposing enforceable timelines on environmental reviews that often stall construction for years.
For communities across the Westside — including Newman, Gustine, Santa Nella, Los Banos and surrounding agricultural regions — the legislation represents one of the most ambitious federal efforts in years to address chronic water shortages that have strained farms, cities and local economies.
“A reliable water supply is essential for Valley families and our economy,” Gray said. “This package strengthens and grows California’s water infrastructure so we can maintain dependable water supplies, reduce flood risks and responsibly manage water flow while unleashing agricultural production. The Valley is the nation’s leading agricultural region, and these projects will help ensure we remain competitive and resilient as we face historic drought levels.”
A package with regional backing
The legislation has drawn support from fellow Valley lawmakers. Rep. Jim Costa is a cosponsor on all three bills, and Rep. Josh Harder has signed on to the Central Valley Water Solution Act.
“California needs a modern water system that can meet today’s challenges,” Costa said. “By improving coordination, cutting through red tape and investing in real projects on the ground, we can deliver more reliable water for families, farms and communities across our state.”
The bills also have strong backing from major water agencies that serve the Westside, including Westlands Water District, the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority, the San Luis & Delta‑Mendota Water Authority and the Friant Water Authority — a coalition that represents millions of acres of farmland and dozens of communities.
Allison Febbo, general manager of Westlands Water District, said the package “moves us toward real solutions at a pivotal time for California water,” adding that it would accelerate conveyance, groundwater recharge and surface storage projects that have been stalled for years.
Chris White, executive director of the Exchange Contractors, said the legislation would help the region capture and store water during wet years — a critical need for Westside growers who often watch excess water flow out to sea during storms.
What the bills do
The Central Valley Water Solution Act would authorize 21 specific water projects south of the Delta, including conveyance improvements, groundwater recharge basins and surface storage studies. The projects were identified by a diverse coalition of water users and contractors, ensuring they reflect regional needs rather than top‑down federal planning.
The WATER Act would codify key provisions of Executive Order 14181, a federal directive aimed at improving coordination among agencies involved in water permitting. By formalizing these provisions, the bill seeks to reduce bureaucratic delays that have slowed California water projects for decades.
The Build Now Act would impose a one‑year enforceable deadline for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) reviews for water projects that expand Central Valley storage. Extensions would require approval from the project applicant — not the federal government — shifting the burden of delays away from local agencies. The bill builds on timeline reforms Gray previously secured in H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act.
The package also aligns its funding structure with the cost‑share model outlined in a previous federal reconciliation package, ensuring water users and the federal government share project costs in a predictable way.
A broader legislative push
Gray’s water package is part of a larger effort to reform federal water policy. He has also introduced H.R. 3845, the Valley Water Protection Act, which would amend the Endangered Species Act to allow exemptions when ESA restrictions cause severe regional economic impacts or affect national security. The bill is intended to give Central Valley communities a clearer path to challenge water cutbacks tied to environmental regulations.
Impact on the Westside
For Westside communities — where agriculture drives local economies and water shortages have forced fallowed fields, job losses and stalled development — the stakes are high.
“The farms, communities and ecosystems south of California’s Bay‑Delta have been ground zero for the impacts of unreliable water supplies for decades,” said Federico Barajas, executive director of the San Luis & Delta‑Mendota Water Authority. “This package allocates federal funds and improves project delivery for infrastructure that will improve water supply reliability for one of the most important food‑producing regions in the world.”
Jason Phillips, CEO of the Friant Water Authority, said the legislation would “cut through the permitting obstacles that hinder vital water projects” and help secure a sustainable future for Valley families and farms.
If enacted, the End the California Water Crisis Package would mark one of the most significant federal investments in Central Valley water infrastructure in decades — and could reshape the future of water reliability for the Westside.
