$200 Million Federal Investment Advances Friant-Kern Canal Restoration by Friant Water Authority Mar 17, 2026 Member Submitted News LINDSAY — The Friant Water Authority today welcomed and applauded federal action by the Trump Administration supporting critical water infrastructure investments, including funding to advance capacity correction efforts along the Friant-Kern Canal (FKC), a vital water delivery system serving farms and communities throughout California’s eastern San Joaquin Valley. The announcement that $200 million has been allocated for FKC Capacity Correction efforts is a major boost for FWA and the districts, farms, and communities that rely on the canal for irrigation and drinking water. This investment comes at a critical time and will support several projects that are “shovel ready.” FWA will move quickly through the public solicitation process to begin advancing these projects. Restoring the FKC capacity has long been a top priority for the communities, farms, and water users who depend on this vital piece of infrastructure. This major investment would not have been possible without the leadership and commitment shown by the Trump Administration, including President Trump himself, Secretary Burgum and his dedicated team at the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation, as well as Congressman David Valadao and Congressman Vince Fong, who have been steadfast advocates for water infrastructure and storage projects across California and the Central Valley, including the Friant Division’s most critical delivery system, the FKC. Their collective efforts will help strengthen water reliability across California and the Central Valley. “The Friant-Kern Canal is a lifeline for farms, communities, and groundwater recharge efforts throughout the San Joaquin Valley,” said Johnny Amaral, Chief Executive Officer of Friant Water Authority. “We appreciate the leadership shown by the Trump Administration, Secretary Burgum, Congressman Valadao, Congressman Fong, as well as the unified support of the California delegation. It cannot be overstated how important and lasting this funding will be for FWA and the communities we serve.” Years of land subsidence have significantly reduced the ability to convey water to farms and communities throughout the eastern San Joaquin Valley. Investments made possible through the Budget Reconciliation Bill (OBBB) will help restore critical capacity along the FKC and strengthen the long-term reliability of water deliveries to one of the most productive agricultural regions in the nation. FWA’s continued partnership with the Administration, and the entire congressional delegation, will remain key to ensuring that projects like the Friant-Kern Canal Capacity Correction Project—and other important water storage projects—receive the support they need to provide lasting benefits for the region’s communities and agricultural economy. About Friant Water Authority Friant Water Authority represents more than 30 irrigation districts and water users that receive water from the Friant Division of the Central Valley Project, delivering water to farms and communities throughout California’s eastern San Joaquin Valley.
