SACRAMENTO (AP) - The state Assembly has approved an $11.4-billion bond to fund a comprehensive overhaul of California's
antiquated water system.
The measure passed before dawn Wednesday would pay for new dams, groundwater cleanup, conservation and habitat restoration.
The Senate is expected to approve the new package Wednesday.
"While not perfect, this package of bills moves us significantly forward in resolving the state’s water crisis in a manner that enables us to meet our growing future demands,” said Assemblywoman Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) in a news release. “The bond passed today addresses both short and long-term needs. If approved by the voters funding will be available for local and regional drought relief projects, new above-ground storage, water conservation and groundwater clean-up.”
Analysts say a drought and water cutbacks have resulted in fields going unplanted and farm workers losing their jobs in the Central Valley.
It's part of a comprehensive package of measures intended to overhaul Californias decades-old water system. The Senate passed the package a day earlier but the Assembly added additional money.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger calls passage an historic achievement that will allow California to prosper.
Lawmakers have long struggled over ways of restoring the crucial Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta while creating stable water supplies for cities and farms.
