A call to action tonight from local legislators after the Federal Government announces water supplies to part of the Valley will be slashed.
They're reacting to word that the allocation to Westlands Water District will be cut by 5%. They say the water decision will have huge ripple effects in the local economy.
"We just won't grow. We won't grow any cantaloupes, we'll cut back on our tomato acreage," said local grower, Shawn Coburn.
Growers from Westlands Water District say a federal decision to slash 5% from this year's water allocation is hitting hard..
"It will mean we'll plant less row crops and it will be harder to keep our permanent crops alive," said Coburn.
Valley congressmen say the decision to cut water supplies will impact Valley residents at home and beyond.
"It affects people that think they have no connection to it. The water that they drink that their homes, the food that they eat, where their food is produced, the amount of money that leaves the state and brings dollars back into our community," said Valley Representative David Valadao.
It's estimated the decision by the feds could cost local farmers up to a billion dollars in lost economic activity. Opposition to the plan crosses party lines. Local democrats say the decision is based on flawed science.
"It's not fair that this region should take the impacts of this insecure water supply while other regions of California are able to continue to have sufficient water to maintain their needs," said Valley Representative Jim Costa.
Manuel Cunha with the Nisei Farmers League says the water cuts show the Federal Government seems to care more about fish than farmers.
"The Interior Department believes that fish are more important or an endangered species is more important than human life in communities," said Cunha.
Taking a stand and moving forward, the focus will be on long-term solutions like the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and Governor Brown's proopsed twin-tunnel project which could alleviate pressure throughout the Valley.
They're reacting to word that the allocation to Westlands Water District will be cut by 5%. They say the water decision will have huge ripple effects in the local economy.
"We just won't grow. We won't grow any cantaloupes, we'll cut back on our tomato acreage," said local grower, Shawn Coburn.
Growers from Westlands Water District say a federal decision to slash 5% from this year's water allocation is hitting hard..
"It will mean we'll plant less row crops and it will be harder to keep our permanent crops alive," said Coburn.
Valley congressmen say the decision to cut water supplies will impact Valley residents at home and beyond.
"It affects people that think they have no connection to it. The water that they drink that their homes, the food that they eat, where their food is produced, the amount of money that leaves the state and brings dollars back into our community," said Valley Representative David Valadao.
It's estimated the decision by the feds could cost local farmers up to a billion dollars in lost economic activity. Opposition to the plan crosses party lines. Local democrats say the decision is based on flawed science.
"It's not fair that this region should take the impacts of this insecure water supply while other regions of California are able to continue to have sufficient water to maintain their needs," said Valley Representative Jim Costa.
Manuel Cunha with the Nisei Farmers League says the water cuts show the Federal Government seems to care more about fish than farmers.
"The Interior Department believes that fish are more important or an endangered species is more important than human life in communities," said Cunha.
Taking a stand and moving forward, the focus will be on long-term solutions like the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and Governor Brown's proopsed twin-tunnel project which could alleviate pressure throughout the Valley.