August 13,2014
With the clock ticking California appears on the verge of new smaller water bond but one still with $2.5 billion for water storage. Governor Brown had been supporting a $6 billion bond that did not include any water storage money, important to Central Valley agriculture. The new $7 billion compromise to be placed in front of voters this Novemeber would replace a $11 billion bond that many fear is too big for the electorate to swallow.
Water contractors represented by the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) backed the new bond Tuesday with Executive Director Timothy Quinn issuing a statement on recent developments on a 2014 California Water Bond:
“ACWA applauds the recent progress on developing a smaller, more viable water bond for the November 2014 ballot. As California experiences one of the worst droughts in its history, 2014 is clearly a year to commit to the implementation of a comprehensive water program to improve water supply and drought preparedness throughout the state. The passage of a water bond in 2014 is fundamental to this goal.
“ACWA supports the framework for a $7 billion bond released by the Brown Administration on Monday. We believe that it takes an historic step toward addressing California’s water crisis in a fiscally prudent manner, while providing substantial funding for new storage, local resource development, watershed enhancement, and safe drinking water. We recognize that there are still significant issues under negotiation, and urge all parties to work together to resolve remaining differences as soon as possible. If we can achieve a smaller bond with bipartisan support and broad support from water, business, labor, agricultural, and conservation interests throughout the state, the prospects for success at the ballot in November will be greatly enhanced.”