Last week several federal and state agencies announced steps they are taking to help “stretch California’s water supplies” in the wake of the announcement of a Drought State of Emergency by the governor. The Departments of Interior, Agriculture and Commerce will work with the state of California to provide flexibility in water supply operations by expediting water transfers, environmental reviews and the ability to store and convey water. In addition, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Natural Resources Conservation Service announced a partnership for FY14 to leverage federal funding for water and irrigation districts and other organizations to improve agricultural water use.