WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) introduced the Headwaters Protection Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation increases investment to improve the health of watersheds and ensure private investments benefit downstream communities.

“Water is the lifeblood of the Central Valley,” said Congressman Valadao. “Ensuring our rural communities have access to safe, clean, and reliable water is my top priority. Valley communities who are often forced to rely on surface and groundwater will benefit from increased investments to improve our watersheds and prevent pollution.”

“The health of California's watersheds, waterways, and wetlands are inter-connected to the San Joaquin Valley’s agricultural economy. Investing in watershed health leads to improving access to clean drinking water and greater water availability downstream,” said Congressman Costa. “These pieces of legislation will boost funding for critical conservation programs to improve the resiliency and quality of our natural resources.” 

Background:

The Water Source Protection Program (WSPP) was authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill to foster public and private partnerships between agricultural producers, businesses, cities, and the U.S. Forest Service to improve watershed and forest health. Unfortunately, the program had flaws that resulted in little private sector buy-in, and the program was never fully funded. The Headwaters Protection Act reforms the Water Source Protection Program (WSPP) to boost private sector participation and increase investment. The Headwaters Protection Act:

• Reauthorizes the WSPP at $30 million annually from 2024-2028. 
• Expands the list of eligible lands and entities to now include small ditch companies, acequias, wastewater treatment providers, and community land grants.
• Lowers the threshold for smaller private sector companies to engage in public/private partnerships by reducing the non-federal match requirement from 50% to 20%.
• Cuts down on duplicative application materials and red tape for existing Watershed Restoration Action Plans. 
• Establishes clear priorities that program funding should be aquatic-focused efforts.