CA Governor Supports Delta Project to Bring More Water to Californians

06/19/2009 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the Two Gates Fish Protection Demonstration Project, designed to protect Delta smelt and increase the reliability of water exports:

“With mandatory water restrictions and crops lying fallow, it is clear that every Californian is suffering from our water shortage - and this project will provide much-needed relief. While I remain committed to getting a comprehensive water deal done this year, I will aggressively work with local, state and federal officials toward the speedy approval and completion of the Two Gates project so that California’s bread basket can continue to feed the world.”

Under the plan, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation would install and operate removable gate structures in two key locations in the central Delta. The Two Gates Project is designed to provide the same or better protection for delta smelt and other sensitive aquatic species at the State Water Project and federal Central Valley Project, while allowing additional water for use by municipal and agricultural water users south of the Delta. The gates would be temporary facilities to be removed after five years.

Today, Governor Schwarzenegger traveled to Mendota in the Central Valley to view some of the worst affects of our three-year drought. There, he announced that he has requested a federal disaster declaration from President Obama for Fresno County and issued Executive Order S-11-09, activating the California Disaster Assistance Act.

Source: California Governor