California Democrats tried on Thursday to dissuade Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum from cuts to water infrastructure funding. Instead, they got a clear view of the Trump administration’s priorities. The water security programs may be working, but budget cuts are more important, Burgum told lawmakers during a House hearing on President Donald Trump’s proposed budget for the Department of the Interior. … Congress is supposed to have the final say in federal funding, but the administration’s budget proposal, which would eliminate WaterSMART, is raising red flags for some House Democrats, especially given the approach DOGE has taken to federal funding. Burgum was responding to Rep. Luz Rivas, who represents the San Fernando Valley. Rivas said WaterSMART, which funds water management improvements, drought planning and more throughout the American West, was successful in mitigating water shortages in her district. It’s received billions in federal funding since 2010, with billions more matched by state and local partners.

Other California water infrastructure news:

• Marin Independent Journal: Editorial: MMWD must look into Nicasio flooding concerns
• The Union (Grass Valley, Calif.): Water deliveries from Spaulding Reservoir near as repairs ahead of schedule
• The Mercury News: Opinion: Delta Conveyance Project will assure Tri-Valley water supply
• California Water Boards: News release: State Water Board takes unprecedented action to restore failing Central Valley sewer system​