Comment from California Department of Water Resources
AnonymousSupportGovernment
Summary: The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) strongly supports the proposed rule to restrict unmanned aircraft near critical infrastructure, specifically citing the need to protect the State Water Project. They request technical modifications including technology-neutral performance standards for sensing, streamlined multi-facility application processes, and clearer coordination frameworks with law enforcement.
Please find attached the formal comment letter submitted by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) in response to the Federal Aviation Administration's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled Designation – Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility, 91 FR 24650, Docket No. FAA-2026-4558, Notice No. 26-03.
DWR strongly supports this proposed rule to protect critical public infrastructure from drone threats. As the operator of the State Water Project—the nation's largest state-built water and power system—DWR urges the FAA to finalize this framework expeditiously.
We respectfully request that the FAA review our attached 9-page document, which outlines DWR's strong support alongside targeted modifications and technical recommendations designed to strengthen the final rule.
Sincerely,
/Derek Reynolds/
Derek Reynolds, Staff Counsel
California Department of Water Resources