For the past year Central Valley project contractors have been negotiating with the Bureau of Reclamation for a new long-term contract. SWID is one of 112 contractors statewide negotiating for a contract that will ensure a reliable water supply for the next 25 years. Currently, SWID is operating on an interim contract that expires in November of 2000 with an expectation for a three-month extension through February of 2001. The district board of directors and staff anxiously wait conclusion of this important issue that will solidify the only surface water supply available to the district.

Acting through the FWUA, SWID and 24 other member districts have reached agreement on principles that provide the first step to explore a potential water management program with Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MET). The principles pave the road for creating opportunities to jointly pursue additional water for SWID and affordable infrastructure improvements while at the same time providing an opportunity for MET to improve southern California water quality.

On August 3^rd WWD filed a petition with the State Water Resources Board to confiscate up to 750,000 acre-feet of the Friant Water Users contracted supply. In an action unheard of in California, WWD board of directors filed an Area of Origin claim to our supply that has served the east side of the San Joaquin valley for over 50 years. The SWID board of directors promises to use all available efforts to defeat this petition.

The board of directors and the staff of SWID welcome your attendance and involvement in our district board meetings that are held the second Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. in the district office board room.