The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded the Round Valley Indian Tribes and the Sonoma County Water Agency USD 15 million (EUR 14 million) for an estuary project related to salmon restoration, according to U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-California).
“This funding shows what can be accomplished thanks to the strong partnerships in the Eel and Russian river basins. We’ve now reached a significant milestone in restoring salmon and other aquatic life in the Eel River while protecting a key water supply for communities in Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin counties,” Huffman said.
The funding will support two projects needed after the removal of two dams along the Eel River, which will open up 200 miles of spawning habitat to struggling salmon populations. The Pacific Gas and Electric Co. plans to remove the two dams, which no longer produce electricity.
Part of the funding announced by Huffman will go to an Eel River estuary project, while the rest will go toward construction of a new wintertime diversion to the Russian River, supporting a so-called two-basin solution.
“The Bureau of Reclamation funding will help ensure a Two-Basin Solution can be achieved for Eel and Russian river basin communities. This funding will provide needed resources to secure regional water needs while restoring fisheries,” Sonoma County Supervisor and Sonoma Water Director Lynda Hopkins said in a statement.
“This award is a critical step towards achieving the co-equal goals of the Two-Basin Solution and is needed to begin the process of restoring the Eel River fishery and community healing for our people,” Round Valley Indian Tribes President Joseph Parker added.
It’s not clear if U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent memo pausing federal funding will affect the distribution of money for the Eel River and Russian River projects. Trump’s order was immediately challenged in court, and a judge quickly blocked it from taking effect. The administration has appealed that, and is clarifying what funding will be paused and what funding can continue unimpeded.