North State Coalition urges Governor and legislature to act on statewide solution to California’s ongoing water crisis

 

From the North State Water Alliance:

This just in“Founders of the North State Water Alliance today joined Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, elected officials, business, labor, agriculture and environmental interests to unveil their criteria for a water bond that reflects a comprehensive solution to meet short-term and long-term water reliability needs for all of California.

During a press conference held at the State Capitol, North State Water Alliance leaders and supporters called upon the California Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown to act quickly on a water bond that improves statewide water supply reliability for people and nature and that meets the following criteria:

  • Maintain water rights – for stability and certainty in water operations.
  • Advance new water storage and operational improvements – to increase flexibility in managing water during dry periods.
  • Increase groundwater storage – recharge, storage and extraction projects for safe drinking water supplies.
  • Improve urban water management – maximize statewide water savings through projects that support recycling, stormwater management and conservation.
  • Protect and restore watersheds and ecosystems – prioritize migratory corridors needing immediate assistance including those for salmon and steelhead and water supplies along the Pacific Flyway.

As California struggles through a third year of drought, legislators from both parties are drafting proposals to spend billions of dollars on new water infrastructure. Several bills are pending in the Legislature that would use varying amounts of state bond funding to launch a new era of projects designed to increase the state’s capacity to store water, enhance water conservation and improve water operations.

“Our current water system was a technological and engineering marvel of the 20th century and we can do the same in the 21st century,” said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. “This issue demands that we find forward-thinking solutions and we’re here today to show our commitment to working with Gov. Brown, legislators, our regional partners and statewide water interests to find a common-sense solution for all of California. This solution includes investing in infrastructure, protecting this region’s water supply, economy and environmental assets and committing to responsible stewardship of our water resources so that we can continue to do more with less,” said Johnson. … “

Continue reading here: nswanewsrelease jun2014
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