ACWA update: Fate of water package still uncertain

From ACWA via email:

“Here is a status update as of 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11:

The past 24 hours have seen dramatic developments on the Delta legislative package.

The five policy bills in the Delta legislative package have been combined into a single bill, SB 722. A general obligation bond also has been included as a separate bill, AB 893.

Significant progress was made late yesterday when agreement was reached on key provisions regarding Delta governance and the recognition of water supply reliability as a co-equal goal (SB 12 and AB 39). ACWA has reviewed these amended provisions and believes they are consistent with ACWA Board policy. ACWA would likely be able to support these provisions, but only as part of an acceptable package.

There remain significant problems, however, with other parts of the package. SB 722 still contains provisions of the previous SB 229 that would radically alter and damage water rights for agencies throughout the state. ACWA cannot support SB 722 with these provisions in the bill. ACWA has strongly recommended that they be replaced with the provisions of AB 900, which provides for measurement and monitoring of diversions in the Delta. ACWA has a support position on AB 900.

SB 722 also includes water conservation provisions contained in AB 49 that are inconsistent with ACWA Board policy. A large consortium of agricultural interests and numerous Sacramento area municipal water suppliers have taken an oppose position on SB 722 because of these provisions.

ACWA continues to review provisions of AB 893, a comprehensive bond which is similar to previous bond proposals. The package includes two identical $6 billion bonds for a total of $12 billion, one to go to the voters in November 2010 and the second in November 2014. Together, these bonds provide $3 billion for implementation of Delta solutions including environmental restoration projects as part of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and $3 billion for water storage continuously appropriated to the California Water Commission.

A preliminary review has identified several issues in AB 893 that ACWA is seeking to remedy. Governor Schwarzenegger has indicated that Senator Cogdill must be satisfied with provisions of any bond and ACWA strongly supports that view.

The drama at the Capitol is expected to continue into the evening. This session is to end at midnight tonight.

ACWA will send out an update tomorrow recapping the final outcome.”

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