State – Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is pledging $260 million in federal stimulus money to help California address its water shortages. The stimulus funds are part of $1 billion announced by the Bureau of Reclamation for water projects that create jobs in the Western US. Salazar made his announcement after touring the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, one of the state’s most vital arteries. The delta sends water to nearly two-thirds of Californians. Also on his aerial tour by helicopter, Salazar surveyed the Mokelumne River, a much-sought-after water source for millions or residents both local and in the east bay area. Salazar said Delta projects will include rock barriers to improve water quality. An additional $135 million will be available for water reuse and recycling projects. Last week, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced a special 30-day sign up window until May 8 to allow farmers in Amador County and 43 other California counties to apply for $2 million available for drought assistance. Specifically, these funds are intended to maintain areas of fallowed fields, keep orchard trees alive, and protect natural resources on ranch and pasture land. "Record low levels of water storage combined with low snow melt has dried up water deliveries to a point where folks are struggling just to keep trees going so they can live to bear a crop next year," says Ed Burton, State Conservationist for NRCS in California. Over half a million acres of California cropland have become unfarmable and are sitting in wait while officials seek answer to the water shortage crisis. Projections suggest that half million could rise to 840,000 acres, with a projected $2.8 billion direct loss to agriculture. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in February. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.