CA Assemblymember Caballero helps to craft water package

Photo: CA State Assembly

Overnight legislators announced an $11 Billion “water package” of five pending bills, that include bond issues to be voted on in November 2010.

October 11th Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called the Legislature to an extraordinary session to address the California water crisis. From the proclamation, he asks the Legislature, “To consider and act upon legislation to protect and restore the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta while also improving the reliability and quality of water supplies from that estuary.” Additionally the Governor commissioned legislators to address short and long term water solutions, and to develop new “surface and groundwater storage” with distribution systems for the State.

As a member of the Assembly Speaker’s negotiating team Assemblymember Anna Caballero (D 28-AD) felt “Honored” to be part of the process. “After months of negotiations and hard work I am glad we were successful in passing a $11.4 billion bond that will fund much needed projects all over the state. This bond is a result of a bicameral and bipartisan compromise among my colleagues. This bond is taking us in the right direction; we have funding for safe drinking water programs, storm water capture and management; conservation, water use efficiency and drought relief,” said Caballero.

Part of the package requires a significant conservation program requiring communities to participate. By 2020 the program expects a 20% cutback in water usage. Water agencies failing to meet conservation goals may be sanctioned by loss of eligibility for state water supplies.

Agriculture, in general, will not be required to meet specific goals, however new conservation measures must be implemented.

A new agency will be created to develop a plan to address long-standing water quality issues in the Sacramento Delta. The new Delta Stewardship Council is expected to set the parameters to improve drinking water quality, and availability, for 25 million Californians. Also, part of the package develops penalties for landowners illegally drawing water from the north Delta. Overall, more than $2 billion will be allocated for Delta improvements.

$3 billion is dedicated to develop new reservoirs and groundwater storage areas.

Still outstanding is the finalization of the various bills. Once signed into law, the legislation will be implemented through the regulatory process. The implementation of the entire package is contingent on voters supporting the bond issues in November 2010.

Assemblymember Caballero remains enthusiastic. “We worked really hard to create a water package that will bring resources to communities hard hit by the lack of water. Additionally, the package will prioritize drought relief water projects for farmers and farm workers; helping to put people back to work and create jobs,” Caballero said.
 

Read more on the Assemblymember: Assemblymember Anna Caballero political inventory Part I 10/30/09   Political opportunity knocks for Assembly District 28 Democrats 10/3/09 Anna Caballero heads to Washington to address water crisis 9/29/09