Rep. Panetta Leads Letter with Rep. Lofgren to Request Expedited Process for San Justo Reservoir Zebra Mussel Eradication Project

SALINAS, CA – Today, Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19) authored and sent a letter to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) requesting that they prioritize and expedite the initial project scoping process required to start the Zebra Mussel Eradication Project at the San Justo Reservoir. The San Justo Reservoir, a popular recreation area, closed in 2008 due to a zebra mussel infestation. The closing resulted in a dramatic, detrimental impact on the community, economy, and environment in San Benito County. Scoping this project is the first step towards reopening the reservoir and restoring critical access to water for local residents.

"The closure of the San Justo Reservoir due to its zebra mussel infestation has hindered the local economy and recreational opportunities for many families in San Benito County," said Congressman Panetta. "Throughout my limited time in Congress, I've been pushing the federal government to fund and start a project to eradicate the zebra mussels from San Justo. This letter, with Rep. Lofgren, builds on that foundation by requesting that the Bureau of Reclamation do an initial report to prove the viability of the project. It's well past time to open up San Justo, but in order to do that the federal government must do its job and that starts with this scoping report.

"The severe and ongoing drought in California continues to challenge water districts across the state," said Congresswoman Lofgren. "It is vital that water resources like the San Justo Reservoir be fully operational for the continued economic stability and sustainability of the region. I thank Congressman Panetta for his longstanding leadership on this project and am eager to join him in efforts to reopen and restore the Reservoir for area residents."

"San Benito County has limited recreational opportunities for its residents. We are working closely with Congressman Panetta's office to get funding to re-open the San Justo Reservoir, which has been closed for many years. This will boost both the economy of our small county and the well-being of our residents. It's essential that this resource is made available again," said Bob Tiffany, San Benito County Supervisor.

"We thank Congressman Panetta for his efforts to remediate this environmental, economic and social disaster by restoring and re-opening the San Justo Reservoir," said Jim Gillio, San Benito County Business Council President.

The San Justo Reservoir and adjacent picnic facilities were used by many residents of San Benito and surrounding counties for outdoor recreational purposes and as an important water resource. The San Benito Water District also utilized the Reservoir as part of a diverse portfolio of resources to provide water and balance and benefit the sustainability of the Hollister-San Juan groundwater basin.

The letter can be viewed here.