AB 830 aims to streamline use of floodwater to recharge local groundwater
SACRAMENTO –AB 830 by Assemblywoman Soria was unanimously approved by the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee yesterday, July 10th, by a 10-0 vote.
AB 830 aims to streamline the permitting process for capturing floodwaters to help recharge groundwater basins. Assemblywoman Soria noted the importance of adapting to hotter and drier years by ensuring that we maximize the use of floodwaters in extraordinary wet years.
“This bill recognizes the importance of capturing water during heavy rains to both prevent potential flooding while simultaneously recharging regional groundwater basins,” said Assemblywoman Soria. “AB 830 provides an important flood fighting tool for communities in my district, like Planada, Atwater and McSwain which experienced flooding due to the heavy rains earlier this year.”
Additionally, AB 830 provides a tremendous opportunity for local communities to comply and help meet the goals of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
“This is a significant piece of legislation and stands to provide a crucial tool for both groundwater management and flood-fighting,” said Mike Jensen, Merced Irrigation District Public and Government Relations Manager. “We are grateful for the work of Assemblywoman Soria, her staff — and the essentially universal, bipartisan support it’s received in the legislature.”
AB 830 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
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Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria represents the 27th Assembly District which includes communities in Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties.