April 30, 2009

Washington, DC – Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) announced today that the Farmington Groundwater Recharge Program will receive $835,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly known as the stimulus package.  Earlier this year, Congressman McNerney wrote a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in support of funding the project.

“I’m glad to announce that the Farmington Groundwater Recharge Program will be receiving $835,000 in funds,” said Rep. McNerney.  “I visited the facility recently and was impressed with their work.  San Joaquin County needs programs like this to ensure sustainable sources of water for the area.”

Andrew Watkins, Stockton East Water District Board President, joined Congressman McNerney in applauding the funds.  “I’m thrilled that the Farmington Groundwater Recharge Program will be receiving these funds,” said Mr. Watkins. “Thanks to Congressman McNerney, we’ll be able to put the money to good use protecting Eastern San Joaquin County’s water supply.”

The Farmington Groundwater Recharge Program is operated by the Stockton East Water District, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  The goal of the program is to recharge the declining level of groundwater in the Eastern San Joaquin Basin and protect the area’s supply from saline water intrusion through field-flooding techniques and surface water delivery in-lieu of groundwater pumping.