New Water Bond Proposed!
Vote on $7.5 Billion Package Could Happen This Afternoon
The Legislature is expected to take up a water bond for a vote this afternoon that would replace the $11.1 billion bond that is currently slated to be on the November ballot.
The latest details indicate the new and improved $7.5 billion package includes $2.7 billion in a continuous appropriation for water storage projects – a perceived earlier sticking point between Democrats and Republicans.
Yesterday, in a press conference with the Governor, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and newly elected Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, along with numerous business, labor and agricultural groups put out a call to action to pass a comprehensive water bond package. As of yesterday, lawmakers had not yet reached agreed agreement on a package that could win the two-thirds support required for the measure to pass. As a result, the Governor signed legislation that extends deadlines, giving lawmakers the additional time needed to reach a deal.
While details of the package are still being finalized, it does appear that the revamped bond is generally consistent with CSAC water policy, including funding for surface and groundwater storage, groundwater cleanup and management, funding for watershed management activities, funding for small and disadvantaged communities, funding for Integrated Regional Water Management programs, and protections for area of origin and existing water rights.
As of this morning, the framework for the $7.545 billion package includes:
- $2.7 billion for water storage
- $1.495 billion for watershed protection and rehabilitation
- $900 million for groundwater sustainability
- $810 million for regional water reliability
- $725 million for water recycling
- $520 million for safe drinking water
- $395 million for statewide flood management
The Senate is expected to take up the package in mock-up form using AB 1471 at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon.
Please stay tuned for more information as we learn of additional details.