CA Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Introduction of Safe, Clean, Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2009

02/26/2009 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement on Senator Dave Cogdill’s (R-Modesto) introduction of SB 371:

“Despite the recent rainstorms, California would still need to see weeks of drenching rain to avoid an extreme drought situation this summer. Our water crisis underscores the urgent need to update California’s water infrastructure so we are able to capture excess rain in wet years and have the necessary reserves in dry years like this one-this is critical to our economy, our jobs, our environment and our way of life.

"Now that we have passed a historic budget, it is time that we continue with the water reforms proposed by a bipartisan group of leaders more than a year ago, and Senator Cogdill’s bill should get the ball rolling again. I know that California’s legislators recognize the need to ensure a clean, reliable water supply and I look forward to working with them to pass a comprehensive water solution this year that increases storage, improves conveyance, protects the Delta’s ecosystem and promotes greater water conservation.”

Last July, the Governor and Senator Dianne Feinstein proposed a compromise plan to the Legislature to update California’s water system that would put the state on the path toward restoring the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, expanding water supplies and promoting conservation efforts that will ensure a clean, reliable water supply for California.

Last June, the Governor issued an executive order declaring a statewide drought, which directed his state agencies and departments to take immediate action to address the serious drought conditions and water delivery reductions that exist in California. He also proclaimed a state of emergency in nine Central Valley counties to address urgent water needs: Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and Kern.

Source: California Governor