Los Banos Creek Detention Dam project is complete.
Originally built in 1966, the upgrade improves:
• water management
• groundwater recharge
• flood protection
#LosBanos#MercedCounty#CaliforniaWater
This innovative approach to existing infrastructure cost just $5.5 million. If it were built from scratch it would be upwards of half a billion dollars.
We appreciate the support of our project partners and @RepAdamGrayCA, @RepJimCosta, @usbr, and @CA_DWR for their participation
Today we celebrated the completion of the Los Banos Creek Detention Dam Project, transforming a flood control facility into a storage and conveyance site. This project will allow for 8,000 acre-feet of water to be stored in wet periods and released in the dry season.
Thank you to California’s congressional delegation for their leadership on this issue and we appreciate the continued focus on investing in water systems that strengthen our communities, support agriculture, and prepare California to address its long-term water challenges.
We are excited by the Department of Interior’s recent announcement that $540 million in federal investments under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will go toward water infrastructure across California, marking a significant step forward for the state and the Central Valley.
Progress continues on the restoration of the historic Miller and Lux map. The sheer size of the map requires using a new telescoping platform in order to reach the center!
Thanks to a grant from our Community Infrastructure Fund, the Milliken Museum is restoring a rare Miller and Lux map of the San Joaquin Valley from circa 1900.
Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the careful work to prepare the map for restoration and preservation.
...infrastructure solutions that support farmers across the state, helping ensure agricultural and water priorities were heard in national policy debates.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, staff, and all those who had the opportunity to work with him.
We are saddened by the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who dedicated his career to standing up for California’s agricultural communities and the water systems that sustain our state. He was a consistent voice for protecting water rights and advancing practical...
Thank you, Congressman Adam Gray, for publishing today’s op-ed calling for bipartisan solutions to modernize water infrastructure, cut red tape, and restore public trust in government’s ability to deliver large, meaningful projects.
https://t.co/KmUKErHbny
Mike has devoted 30 years of service to the district, the Exchange Contractors, and our Central Valley communities. His leadership and commitment to sustainable water management has made a lasting impact throughout the region.
Congratulations to Mike on this well-deserved honor!
The Firebaugh Canal Water District recently dedicated its new 1-megawatt solar complex—a facility that will generate renewable power for the district’s three main pump stations—in honor of Mike Stearns, longtime FCWD Board President and Vice-Chair of the Exchange Contractors.
We’re proud to announce the second cohort of grantees from our Community Infrastructure Fund, totaling more than $600,000 in support for local projects and initiatives. You can read more about the fund and our grantees here: https://t.co/Fr8r1IilrB
Last week, we hosted fellows from the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation to tour and learn about major water infrastructure projects, storage projects and operations in the Central Valley. The future of the industry is bright with this next generation of Ag leaders!
Last week we joined Westside water leaders for a roundtable with @AsmSoria. With changes at both the state & federal level shaping California's water future, it’s vital to have leaders like her engaging on these issues for the Central Valley.
We appreciate her time & leadership.
Important op-ed from @RepAdamGrayCA on the need for major investments in CA's water infrastructure, including Del Puerto Canyon Reservoir.
"With additional and strengthened infrastructure, we can...adapt to the future we know is fast approaching."
https://t.co/FTPqxyFQYX
The Exchange Contractors are proud to announce our second annual Community Infrastructure Fund. The 2025–26 grant cycle is now open to proposals from community-based organizations, non-profits, and local government entities with eligible projects.
Apply: https://t.co/Fr8r1IhNC3
We appreciate @RepAdamGrayCA's leadership on this issue and his willingness to stand up for the needs of the Central Valley. It’s critically important that we continue to invest in new efforts to capture, store, and convey more water throughout California.
ICYMI: The Natural Resources Committee met last week to pass our reconciliation proposal.
The bill had quite a few elements I didn’t like, but also had $2 billion for CA water storage. I voted in defense of Valley water.
My full remarks: https://t.co/9mZdJW9aMX
We greatly appreciate @RepAdamGrayCA for joining us yesterday for a site tour of the Del Puerto Canyon Reservoir Project and for his support of this important water infrastructure project.