Water Measure

In reference to a letter to the editor (Aug. 14) from E. Thornton Ibbetson, chairman of the board of the Metropolitan Water District. Mr. Ibbetson is a responsible, capable man. Unfortunately, his views on HR 3113 (Miller) differ from mine. He endorses it enthusiastically for reasons that to me lack substance. I wish to support it but must advise opposition unless one section is amended.

Let us analyze the measure. The MWD seems mesmerized by a document called a Coordinated Operating Agreement. I support signing of the agreement, and if HR 3113 merely allowed that to occur, I would back the measure. However, the agreement is not a panacea for the state’s water problems, and HR 3113 goes far beyond the agreement. For MWD to support it in its present form leaves much to be desired. Let me explain.

A section of HR 3113 is entitled “Project Operation Policy.” Its language broadens the responsibility of the federal Central Valley Project to cover an area far broader in scope than either that contained in the operating agreement or allowed by state law. If enacted in its present form, the state will likely have to follow suit.

Then what? The Water Resources Control Board would be empowered to set standards far broader than the agreement, thus requiring more water than is now required.

The water requirement can only be provided by that presently available to the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. Yet Mr. Ibbetson asserts that HR 3113 will provide additional water when, in fact, it will not produce a drop and, in fact, as written runs the risk of costing Southern California part of its present supply.

HR 3113, as written, does great disservice to the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. It lacks equality for the southern half of our state.

If one amendment is incorporated, I am willing to personally back the measure and recommend support to the congressional delegation south of Tracy. The amendment: “Provisions of this measure dealing with project operation policy are inoperative until both a Delta transfer facility is built and operational and the Delta pumping plant at Tracy receives a federal permit to operate at full capacity.” I intend to write members of the California congressional delegation requesting they either get this language incorporated or oppose the measure.

I find it strange that the MWD, which backed efforts to complete the State Water Project from 1977 through 1982, now believes it can receive water without prudent development.

RUBEN S. AYALA

Sacramento

Ayala is chairman of the state Senate Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources.