WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) voted in support of H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026. Congressman Valadao, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, secured several key wins for the Central Valley as part of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, including $14 million in direct funding for community improvement projects.

“As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I was happy to vote for H.R. 6938 and advance the next three full-year funding bills,” said Congressman Valadao. “This package will help bolster our national security efforts, strengthen domestic energy production, and invest in public safety improvements. Importantly, I was proud to have secured key investments—totaling $14 million—for several critical water and infrastructure projects across the Central Valley. From strengthening groundwater recharge and preventing land subsidence to replacing aging wells and water storage infrastructure, these funds will help safeguard our water supply, support our farmers and communities, and ensure continued access to clean water. Passing this funding package brings us one step closer to completing our full-year funding bills, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to continue this important process.”

Key investments secured by Congressman Valadao in the FY26 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act include:

• $2 million for the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District’s North Canal Spreading Works Expansion Project to convert approximately 160 acres of farmland into groundwater recharge facilities, strengthening long-term water sustainability for nearly 20,000 residents.
• $2 million for the City of Corcoran’s Stormwater Enhancements Project to construct green infrastructure, permeable pavement, and vegetated swales to improve stormwater drainage and enhance water quality.
• $2 million for the Shafter-Wasco Groundwater Recharge Project to develop 77 acres of recharge basins which will capture an estimated 1,700 acre-feet of water annually, helping prevent subsidence and improving groundwater reliability in Kern County.
• $4 million for the City of Avenal’s Water Storage Tank Project to replace a critical 5-million-gallon water storage tank relied upon for clean drinking water and wastewater treatment. 
• $2 million for the City of McFarland’s Water Well Project to construct a replacement well and increase drinking water capacity as existing wells near the end of their service life.
• $2 million for the Armona Water Supply Reliability Project to design and construct a new community well and connect it to the existing water system to ensure reliable service deliveries and an adequate water supply.

Read the full bill here.

###