Posted by red on 7/16/2009, 3:38 pm
4.131.215.167
2/26/2009
Senator Dave Cogdill Introduces Safe, Clean, Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2009
Comprehensive Legislation Focuses on Water Supply, Conveyance and Delta Protection
Video
With California in the midst of a historic drought, Senator Dave Cogdill, of Modesto, today announced SB 371, legislation to ensure California has a safe and reliable water supply now and into the future. The legislation builds upon efforts by the Senator over the past three and a half years to implement comprehensive reforms to California’s water supply and delivery systems.
“Recent rainfall has been a blessing, but it’s just a drop in the bucket when compared to the epic drought the state is currently facing. Investing in our aging water infrastructure plays a vital role in our state’s economic growth and in protecting the quality of life for every Californian,” said Senator Cogdill. “I look forward to continuing my work on this issue with the Governor as well as my legislative partners on both sides of the aisle.”
The comprehensive proposal calls for issuing $9.98 billion in general obligation bonds to invest in the state’s aging water infrastructure. Key elements of the proposal:
Building California’s Water Supply and Storage: $3 billion dedicated to the development of additional storage for statewide benefit. An additional $1.5 billion dedicated to regional water supply reliability.
Delta Sustainability: $2.4 billion to help implement a sustainable resource management plan for the Delta and local and regional conveyance projects.
Encouraging Water Conservation and Water Use Efficiency: $520 million to increase conservation and water use efficiency programs.
Water Quality Improvement: $950 million for efforts to reduce the contamination of groundwater and treatment of wastewater and stormwater.
Water Resources Stewardship: $1 billion to implement river restoration projects.
Other Critical Water Projects: $610 million for other projects including restoration of watersheds devastated by forest fires, removal of fish barriers, and ocean projection.
“A reliable water supply impacts all Californians,” continued Cogdill. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, home or business owner, white or blue collar worker – we all expect there to be water when you turn on the tap. Unfortunately, without vital reforms California is at risk of not meeting the water demands of our growing state.”
In early April, the bill will face its first hearing in the Senate Natural Resources Committee.
[AUDIO] Senator Cogdill discussing SB 371
Senator Cogdill proudly represents part or all of the counties of Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne.
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