It would benefit the Delta by increasing export pumping flexibility to offset impacts on Delta fish. 1986 DWR and the Department of Fish and Game sign an agreement to determine mitigation measures for the Harvey O. Banks Pumping Plant. The agreement's primary purpose is to offset the direct losses of striped bass, chinook salmon and steelhead caused by the pumping plant's operation. This engineering addition will add significant new capabilities to the SWP's Delta export program. In February, DWR's Flood Operations Center becomes the headquarters for many Northern California flood fights after torrential rains, starting February 19, lashed much of the North State for more than a week.
Flooding occurs along several major Northern California rivers.
The East Branch Enlargement begins to expand the capacity of the aqueduct to move more water south during wet years for storage in groundwater basins. The work includes raising the canal lining, building a new power plant, and modifying other facilities. The gates are declared operational on November 22, 1989. The California Legislature recognizes 1986-87 as a critically dry water year and requests that DWR provide drought contingency planning assistance to the water industry. On November 24, after more than 25 years of negotiations and Congressional approval, Director Kennedy and David Houston, Regional Director, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, sign the Coordinated Operation Agreement.