"Trump administration announced it will spent $540 million on California water infrastructure, focusing on deteriorating Central Valley canals damaged by sinking ground"

"The Trump administration announced Tuesday it will spend $540 million on water infrastructure projects in California, much of it to repair aging and sinking canals in the Central Valley.

The largest share, $235 million, will be used to rehabilitate the Delta-Mendota Canal, which carries water to farmlands. An additional $200 million will help continue repairs on the Friant-Kern Canal, another major conduit for water in the valley.

Sinking ground due to heavy groundwater pumping has damaged segments of the Friant-Kern Canal and reduced its capacity.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in the announcement that the investments, together with nearly $350 million for water projects in other western states, “strengthen our nation’s water security, modernize aging infrastructure and support the farmers, communities and industries that depend on reliable water supplies.”"

Ian James reports for the Los Angeles Times March 17, 2026. [2]