Legislature Sends Historic Water Package to Governor

Senate, Assembly Pass $11.14 Billion Bond, Policy Bills

The Legislature early this morning sent an $11.14 billion water bond and policy bills on Delta governance, conservation, groundwater monitoring and water rights enforcement to Gov. Schwarzenegger.

Controversial language in the water rights enforcement measure was replaced with language widely supported by ACWA and its member agencies that was contained in AB 7X 6 (De Leon) regarding reporting of water use and penalties on illegal diversions.

The action followed an intensive night of action and negotiations to move the bond and policy measures through both houses. The final piece of the package came together around 5:50 a.m. when the Senate reached the 27 votes needed to pass the water bond, SB 7X 2 (Cogdill), co-authored by Assembly Member Anna Caballero. The bond bill had been amended earlier in the Assembly to include additional funding for groundwater and recycling. The Assembly passed the measure just before 5 a.m. on 54-18 vote with seven members not voting.

A summary of the final bond is available at http://www.acwa.com/issues/09leg_Final_BondSummary.pdf

The ACWA Board of Directors had taken a support position on the Cogdill bond bill as well as the policy bills related to Delta governance, conservation, and groundwater monitoring. ACWA staff worked diligently to seek changes to the water rights enforcement language to address member concerns.

This is arguably the most important piece of legislation regarding water passed by the Legislature since 1960. It is highly consistent with policy principles adopted by the ACWA Board.

ACWA will release an official statement later today.

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