Washington—U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer (both D-Calif.) today introduced the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Heritage Area Act, a bill that creates California’s first National Heritage Area.

The bill will establish the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a National Heritage Area, to be managed by the Delta Protection Commission. The goal of the National Heritage Area is to conserve and protect the Delta, its communities, its resources and its history.

“The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is an important resource for California and the largest inland delta in the world—and we must treat it with the respect it deserves,” said Senator Feinstein. “The National Heritage Area designation provides the recognition and resources that local governments need to ensure a sustainable future for the Delta.”

The bill will have no effect on water rights or water contracts and creates no new regulatory authority or burden on local government or citizens.

Instead, the legislation authorizes federal assistance to a local process already required by State law that will elevate the profile of the Delta and provide the means to conserve and protect its valued communities, resources and history.

“Designating the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a National Heritage Area will benefit the environment and the economy of the entire region,” said Senator Boxer. “I am proud to join Senator Feinstein in sponsoring this legislation, which will help us preserve the history and natural beauty of the Delta for future generations.”

Click here for a map showing the proposed boundaries of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area.

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