WHEREAS, the Imperial Valley’s water rights to the Colorado River are grounded in historical precedent dating to 1895 and subsequent state and federal law, and are crucial to the community’s continued existence and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, the IID and Imperial Valley farmers have developed a water system that has earned an efficiency rating of 79 percent from the California Department of Water Resources, which is one of the best in the state; and

WHEREAS, Imperial Valley farmers have invested in an efficient, gravity-flow irrigation system and repaid all government financing in that water conveyance system; and

WHEREAS, the IID has shown a willingness to share the Imperial Valley’s most precious resource with its urban neighbors, first with the Metropolitan Water District and more recently with San Diego County Water Authority, in partnerships to help finance further conservation efforts; and

WHEREAS, the IID has provided leadership in helping California to live within its Colorado River entitlement by offering to cap the district’s use of Colorado River water at 3.1 million acre-feet, and by negotiating with other stakeholders on agreements that would lead to the more efficient use of water; and

WHEREAS, the Imperial Valley’s economy and its future development cannot survive and thrive without protecting its water rights.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT, AS FOLLOWS:

1. We are united behind the effort to preserve our water rights and will fight if necessary to protect the irrigation system our forefathers paid to develop.

2. We support efforts to maintain the Imperial Valley’s water rights, which are essential for this community’s economic development and future growth.

3. We are committed to helping California stretch limited water supplies to meet growing, long-term water needs through further conservation and water efficiencies as funding unfolds.

4. We are committed to support the efforts of Imperial Valley United to ensure a public voice in water decisions affecting our community.

5. We support Imperial Valley United’s efforts to share this message within Imperial County, with our urban neighbors and throughout the water community.

PASSED AND ADOPTED, this 14th day of September 1999.