Turning the tide in the water crisis: Unless Sacramento acts soon, California’s future water security is in jeopardy

From the Los Angeles Times, this commentary, written by Governor Schwarzenegger & Senator Feinstein, which begins by discussing the challenges facing California’s water supply: drought, court rulings, low reservoir levels & the like:

Clearly, the state is in crisis. Yet, to this point, we’ve been unable to forge a common path forward.

For the last 18 months, the two of us have worked to develop a water infrastructure investment bond to put before California voters. We have listened carefully to legislative leaders and the many diverse stakeholders — environmental and agricultural leaders, business, labor and urban and rural communities. We built on the areas of general agreement, and the common goal is clear: a clean and reliable water supply and healthy environment for the future of California.

Our hope is that the plan we have put together will serve as a solid starting point for negotiations with the Legislature.

Our proposal includes modernization of our aging water systems, significant investment in healing and safeguarding the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and other important ecosystems, increased water storage in reservoirs and underground aquifers, improved conveyance and a strong focus on conservation programs.

We believe this is a balanced and comprehensive approach that will help meet the needs of a growing population — expected to reach 50 million in the next decade. It will help us bank more water in wet years for use in the dry years. And it will meet our common goal of a healthy environment and reliable water supply.

Although there are efforts each year to address one piece of the puzzle or another, none of them has yet solved our crisis. What is needed is a comprehensive, statewide plan — and we must move swiftly. The impact of even one more dry season could be devastating — we cannot afford to wait any longer.

Read the full text of Governor Schwarzenegger & Senator Feinstein’s commentary in the Los Angeles Times by clicking here.

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