For Immediate Release: February 5, 2019
Contact: Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Restore the Delta, 209-479-2053, barbara@restorethedelta.org
Restore the Delta Applauds Bills to Create a Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area
Stockton, CA – Restore the Delta today applauds the introduction of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Act in the U.S. Senate today. Congressman John Garamendi (D-Calif.) recently introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
The bill would establish California’s first National Heritage Area, a designation that already exists in many states. The Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area provides a great model.
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a National Heritage Area would be managed by the Delta Protection Commission. The bill authorizes $10 million to local governments and nonprofit organizations to develop a National Heritage Area management plan that promotes environmental stewardship, heritage conservation, and economic development projects throughout the Delta.
The bill would have no effect on water rights, water contracts or property rights and creates no new regulatory authority or burden on local government or private citizens. The bill would also have no effect on fishing and hunting within the National Heritage Area.
Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, executive director of Restore the Delta said:
“We applaud this effort to protect Delta culture and history. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is truly the heart of California. It is the state’s fruit bowl, water supply, and historical hub. This bill will put this vital ecosystem on the map and help bring visitors, and economic investment to the region, while respecting the needs of the region’s landowners.”