George P. Radanovich: “in California, wine is for drinking and water is for fighting. The gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and the…”

“in California, wine is for drinking and water is for fighting. The gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert) and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano) have done a Herculean job task of putting together all the interests in California in a water bill that is supported by just about every interest group out there, and that was an incredible task. That is why I am a proud co-sponsor and supporter of H.R. 2828. The central valley of California comprises the largest agriculture producing county in the Nation, where over 250 of California's crops are grown. With its fertile soil and temperate climate, the valley produces 8 percent of the ag output of the United States on less than 1 percent of the Nation's total farmland. Valley farmers alone grow nearly half the fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the entire Nation. The most fundamental challenge facing California's Central Valley is assuring adequate long term supplies of water to meet the demands of the agriculture, environmental and urban water needs. A dependable and affordable water supply is necessary to meet the long term needs of the State. The key to providing this water supply is adequate storage facilities to hold water in times of surplus for use during water shortages.”