Friant Water Authority outlines $1 billion plan to restore San Joaquin River flows and salmon

The recent public workshop held by the State Water Resources Control Board on December 12, 2024, focused on critical updates to the Bay-Delta Plan, particularly concerning the restoration of the San Joaquin River. A significant topic of discussion was the historical impact of the Friant Dam, which has blocked flows of the river since its construction in the 1940s, leading to the extinction of the spring-run Chinook salmon fishery for over 70 years.

The workshop highlighted the 2006 settlement agreement between the United States, Friant Water Authority, and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which aimed to restore river flows and fish populations. Despite the agreement, the implementation of the prescribed flows has faced delays, with over $1 billion needed for restoration projects. However, there is optimism as the first spring-run Chinook salmon returned to the river in 2017, signaling potential success for the restoration efforts.

Key to the discussions was the proposal to release an additional 250,000 acre-feet of water annually from Friant Dam, a move authorized by Congress in 2009. This proposal aims to enhance river flows and improve conditions for fish populations. The board acknowledged the challenges posed by landowner issues and drought impacts, which have hindered progress.

The workshop also addressed the importance of integrating these future flows into the Bay-Delta Plan, emphasizing that previous plans did not account for these potential releases. The goal is to ensure that a portion of these flows reaches the Delta, benefiting both the ecosystem and water management strategies.

In conclusion, the workshop underscored the ongoing efforts to restore the San Joaquin River and the critical role of community engagement in shaping water management policies. As projects move forward, the board aims to balance ecological restoration with the needs of local water users, ensuring a sustainable future for California's water resources.