In 2015, Reclamation began implementing the Drought Response Program; a comprehensive new approach to drought. Relying on existing authorities, the Program takes a proactive approach by providing assistance to water users for drought contingency planning and to take action that will build long-term resiliency to droughts. The Friant-Kern Canal Reverse Pump-Back Facilities project was included in the FY15 Consolidated And Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (P.L. 113-235) for Western Drought Response.
Reclamation has studied permanent pump-back facilities along the southern portion of the Friant-Kern Canal as part of the San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJRRP). The Investment Strategy evaluated permanently increasing pumping capacities to 200 cfs at the Shafter Check Structure and 75 cfs at the Lake Woollomes and Deer Creek Check structures in support of the Water Management Goal of the SJRRP.