HR 2383 was introduced by Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Tulare, in 2005, and the two-year bill received unanimous support in the House of Representatives in March 2006. The Senate also gave it unanimous support with the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources approving it November 16 and the full Senate taking action later the same day.

"C.W. "Bill" Jones was a pioneer in the area of water development in the San Joaquin Valley. I was pleased to author the legislation honoring him and hope that this fitting tribute will serve as a reminder to future generations about Jones' efforts which helped develop the water resources we have today," said Nunes.

Mr. Jones, 1918-2003, served as president of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Association/Authority for 20 years. He was actively involved in issues relating to the federal Central Valley Project and the California State Water Project.

"Mr. Jones was a tireless worker on behalf of California water interests," commented Dan Nelson, general manager of the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority. "He knew for California to prosper that water must be made available to all users. Partly because of his efforts our farmers today benefit from a supply of water that makes their agricultural production unequalled throughout the world."

"The name C.W. "Bill" Jones is a fitting one for a major facility of Reclamation's Central Valley Project that helps deliver water to highly productive agricultural lands in the Central Valley." said Kirk Rodgers, Reclamation's Mid-Pacific Regional Director. "His contributions to the water industry and leadership of the San Luis and Delta Mendota Water Authority respectfully earned him a place in California's water history."

Mr. Jones was named to the California State Water Commission by then-Governor Ronald Reagan in 1968. He also served as president of the Firebaugh Resource Conservation District, Las Deltas Mutual Water Company, Silver Creek Drainage District and also vice president of the Firebaugh Canal Water District.

A ceremony to mark the name change is planned early next year at the C.W. "Bill" Jones Pumping Plant near Tracy.