A day after touring the New River in Calexico, Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz joined U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff in opposing a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposal to deauthorize the New River and Imperial County environmental infrastructure projects. In a letter submitted Wednesday, Aug. 19, the lawmakers urged Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle to remove the projects from the proposed deauthorization list, citing ongoing public health concerns and continued local support for the projects. The letter was submitted on the deadline for public comment on the Army Corps’ proposed deauthorization list. The lawmakers said the projects do not meet the criteria for deauthorization because there is local support, available federal and nonfederal resources and an ongoing public purpose for the projects.

Other water infrastructure news:

• KJZZ (Phoenix): Report card gives Arizona’s water systems a ‘C’ grade. The reason why is complicated
• International Water Power Magazine: Divers restore 89-year-old outlet equipment at California’s French Dam
• The Napa Valley Register (Calif.): Sites Reservoir could secure American Canyon’s water future
• Marin Independent Journal (San Rafael, Calif.): Nicasio flood protection added to pipeline plan
• Redwood News (Calif.): FERC moves forward with Eel River dam removal, upcoming meetings will allow Humboldt residents to weigh in
• Times-Standard (Eureka, Calif.): Opinion: A glimmer of hope: Eel River Dam removal hearing a chance to be part of history