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Governor signs water bill at Friant Dam

Posted by: Maven on November 10, 2009 at 8:45 am

Here's the real action. Signing our historic water deal. on TwitpicFrom the Fresno Bee:

“With Millerton Lake as a backdrop, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an $11.1 billion water bond Monday that proponents acknowledged will be a tough sell with voters.

Schwarzenegger was flanked by legislators, local elected officials, farmers, and members of the California Latino Water Coalition during the afternoon ceremony.

“I am ecstatic to be here today to celebrate this historic accomplishment,” Schwarzenegger said. “Almost three years ago I stood here in front of Friant Dam and promised the people of California and the people of the Central Valley that I would do everything I can to rebuild California’s crumbling water infrastructure. Today we are delivering on that promise.”

The governor said it will be up to those involved in the fight for water to encourage public support for the bond, which will be on the ballot next November. He also said many of the groups that have previously fought each other on water legislation have come together to support the package.

“It was courageous for all of them to do this,” he said. “They all compromised and they all came together.” …”

Read more from the Fresno Bee by clicking here.

From the Associated Press & Silicon Valley Mercury News:

“Framed by a shrinking mountain reservoir, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a far-reaching water bond Monday intended to rebuild California’s crumbling water system and fund new dams to save up the precious resource for dry years.

Yet at a time when several Western states are preparing to tear down dams rather than build new ones, the governor acknowledged he will face hurdles in persuading Californians to vote next November for the $11 billion measure, which was passed last week by the state Legislature.

In recent months, officials in Oregon, Washington and even California have agreed to spend millions to dismantle colossal dams built decades ago in order to protect native fish species, following legal tussles over water between the federal government, environmentalists, Indian tribes and farmers.

In the San Joaquin Valley, where most of the nation’s fruits and vegetables are grown, farmers warn that their crops will wither if the government doesn’t build a second reservoir above Friant Dam, which was built in the 1940s to nurture croplands below.

“For decades, Californians have been fighting about water,” Schwarzenegger said. “I’ve heard the pleas of the people here from this valley, I have heard the pleas of the people of the state of California, and I think the legislators have heard those pleas as well. So I am here to tell all of you help is on the way.” …”

Read more from the Silicon Valley Mercury News by clicking here.

November 10, 2009 · Filed Under Legislation - State & Federal

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