This just in … Wolk endorses new revised $7 billion water bond; Points to agreement to protect the Delta and prevent funding of Delta Tunnels

From the office of Senator Lois Wolk:

WolkState Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis) today announced her support and agreement to author the Governor’s proposal for a $7 billion water bond for this November’s ballot, replacing the $11 billion bond now on the ballot as Proposition 43.  The new bond is contained in SB 866 by Senators Wolk and Senate leader Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento).

Today I am pleased to report we have reached agreement with the Governor and legislative leaders to important amendments, resulting in a proposed bond that will be good for the Delta region and the entire state—one I can support,” said Wolk.  “We fought hard to ensure that all projects conducted in the Delta by the Department of Fish and Wildlife will require coordination and consultation with the Delta counties or cities where the project is proposed.  We fought hard to ensure this bond would be BDCP neutral and to ensure no funds will be used for the Delta Tunnels, including to pay for costs for their mitigation.  We also won recognition and first time ever funding of $50 million for the Delta Conservancy, including their ability to fund important agriculture sustainability projects in the Delta. All told, it’s a good deal for the Delta and Northern California.”

“I applaud the Governor for putting forward a lean bond, focused on the highest and most immediate water needs of the state, including drought relief, groundwater cleanup, water recycling, regional water projects, drinking water cleanup, watershed improvements, and storage.  I especially appreciate the support I have received in these negotiations from my partners in the Delta Counties Coalition who have stood solidly behind me and for the Delta during this five-year long effort.”

Among those attending an announcement in the Governor’s Office about the bond were Yolo County Supervisors Jim Provenza and Oscar Villegas.

The water bond compromise will be good for Yolo County and the State of California. Local participation in restoration projects, including the involvement of our local Delta Conservancy, will assure much needed restoration projects will go forward in a manner that supports our commitment to long term agricultural sustainability,” said Supervisor Provenza.

Contra Costa Supervisors Mary Nejedly Piepho and Karen Mitchoff also spoke in support.

I speak for the entire County in expressing appreciation and support for the hard work of Senator Lois Wolk and other Delta legislators in representing Contra Costa’s and the Delta’s  interests in this critically important statewide water bond,” said Supervisor Piepho.

Solano County Supervisor John Vasquez also backed the new bond.

This bond will help start important restoration work in the Delta and I will encourage everyone in Solano County to support it this November,” said Supervisor Vasquez.

 

 

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