San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority

04/07/2026

Today we celebrated the completion of the Los Banos Creek Detention Dam Project! The project, at a total cost of $5.5 million, essentially transforms a flood control facility into a storage and conveyance site, which if it were to be constructed from scratch today would likely cost a minimum of half a billion dollars.

What this allows for is roughly 8,000 acre-feet of water to be released downstream from late fall to early winter for beneficial use, to later be replenished with 8,000 acre-feet of replacement water. It's a perfect example of an innovative approach to maximize our existing capacity while we continue to push forward additional large-scale projects that will prepare our region and the state for decades to come.

Thank you to our project partners and to Congressman Adam Gray, Congressman Jim Costa, Bureau of Reclamation, and California Department of Water Resources for their participation today!

03/18/2026

We are excited by the Department of Interior’s recent announcement that $889 million in federal investments under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will go toward water infrastructure across the West, marking a significant step forward for California and the Central Valley. Of that total, $540 million will go toward supporting critical water projects across California, including those that improve conveyance, expand water storage capabilities, and modernize infrastructure that serve our local farms, communities, and businesses.

Thank you to California’s congressional delegation for their leadership on this issue and we appreciate the continued focus on investing in water systems that strengthen our communities, support agriculture, and prepare California to address its long-term water challenges.

02/04/2026

Progress continues on the restoration of the historic Miller and Lux map for the Milliken Museum, funded by a grant from our Community Infrastructure Fund. The sheer size of the map requires using a new telescoping platform in order to reach the center!

01/15/2026

History in the making—or rather, history being preserved.

Thanks to a grant from our Community Infrastructure Fund, the Milliken Museum is restoring a rare Miller and Lux map of the San Joaquin Valley from circa 1900. This incredible piece of regional history documents the land and water that shaped our communities more than a century ago.

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the careful work to prepare the map for preservation.

We're proud to support projects that keep our shared history alive for future generations.

01/07/2026

We are saddened by the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who dedicated his career to standing up for California’s agricultural communities and the water systems that sustain our state.

He was a consistent voice for protecting water rights and advancing practical infrastructure solutions that support farmers across the state, helping ensure agricultural and water priorities were heard in national policy debates.

We extend our condolences to his family, staff, and all those who had the opportunity to work with him.

11/24/2025

Today, Congressman Adam Gray published an op-ed in The Hill that calls on legislators to fix broken permitting and infrastructure processes and highlights how communities like those in the Central Valley pay the price for endless delays. His op-ed highlights the urgent need to modernize water infrastructure, cut red tape, and restore public trust in government’s ability to deliver large, meaningful projects.

Thank you, Congressman Gray, for championing bipartisan solutions that strengthen our region, support our growers and disadvantaged communities, and ensure California can meet its challenges.

The government’s inability to quickly and efficiently implement infrastructure projects is due to excessive regulations, delays, and costs, and can be fixed by modernizing the permitting syst…

11/06/2025

11/03/2025

Last week, the Firebaugh Canal Water District dedicated its new 1-megawatt solar complex—a facility that will generate renewable power for the district’s three main pump stations—in honor of Mike Stearns, longtime FCWD Board President and Vice-Chair of the Exchange Contractors.

Mike has devoted 30 years of service to the district, the Exchange Contractors, and our Central Valley communities. His leadership and commitment to sustainable water management have made a lasting impact throughout the region.

Congratulations to Mike on this well-deserved recognition!

10/14/2025

We are thrilled to announce the second cohort of grantees from our Community Infrastructure Fund! The grants total more than $600,000 and will support six projects and initiatives improving local infrastructure and bringing communities together in the Central Valley. You can learn more about the grantees here:

Community Infrastructure Fund RESOURCES The San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors are thrilled to announce the second cohort of grantees for our Community Infrastructure Fund, which supports and empowers local communities through grants for regional projects. This year, five organizations were awar...

08/26/2025

Last week, we were delighted to welcome fellows from the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation for two days in the Central Valley to tour and learn about current and future major water infrastructure projects, storage projects and operations in our area. We’d like to extend a special thank you to Congressman Adam Gray for joining the tour and continuing to be a champion for the Central Valley and California’s water issues in Congress. This year’s tour reinforced our excitement and optimism about the future of the industry with these next generation of Ag leaders at the helm!

08/18/2025

Last week we had the privilege of joining Westside water leaders for a roundtable discussion with Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria

We are at a critical moment for California’s water future. The changing landscape at both the federal and state levels will shape what comes next for our communities here in the Central Valley. That’s why it is so valuable to have Assemblymember Soria at the table—listening, sharing her perspective, and working toward solutions.

We appreciate her time and continued leadership.