Coyote Valley Dam General Investigation and Feasibility Study
The funding would be used to complete a Feasibility Study for the raising of Coyote Valley Dam in Mendocino County, California was first initiated. The purpose of the dam raise is to provide a more reliable local water supply, increase flood damage reduction and improve water quality for listed anadromous fish in the Russian River. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the water from this reservoir to the Russian River serves 600,000 people, both domestic and agricultural interests within the 2nd Congressional District. Water from Lake Mendocino is released in the summer months to satisfy water right holders along the Russian River and to provide minimum instream flows for fish habitat. Without adequate water storage in Lake Mendocino, the volume of water that salmon and steelhead need for spawning and rearing in the upper Russian River will be diminished and cause further declines in the fisheries.
Awarded: $500,000
Location: Mendocino