The proposed Temperance Flat dam on the upper San Joaquin River east of Fresno likely will be at the head of the line when the state awards big money for water storage projects. The San Joaquin Valley Water Infrastructure Authority last week submitted an application seeking $1.3 billion in bond funds from the California Water Commission, which is doling out $2.7 billion of Proposition 1 money for water storage projects around the state. The Temperance Flat dam is estimated to cost $3 billion.

Crews rebuilding the Oroville Dam’s main spillway say their work is on schedule as the project passed the midway point for this year. Demolition and reconstruction of the gated flood control spillway began on May 19 and is slated to be finished by Nov. 1. Workers have finished excavations and preparation for the 2,270 feet of the spillway that will be done this year and are now placing reinforced, structural concrete, the state Department of Water Resources reports.

The Compton Herald is urging the Board of Directors Division IV Central Basin Municipal Water District to vote “No” on the proposed multi-billion-dollar Delta Tunnels project which could raise average household water bills by as much as $200-$400 a year. The cities of Lynwood, South Gate, Florence-Graham, Willowbrook, Compton, and Carson are comprised of hardworking residents who cannot afford an increase in their taxes amounting to hundreds of dollars.

A newly amended bill that would impose a monthly water fee on California water users to fund drinking water quality improvement projects was placed on the suspense file by the California Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, but is expected to be voted on again next week, according to officials. Senate Bill 623’s author Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel) said the fee revenue will fund improvements that will increase Californians’ access to safe and affordable drinking water.