SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - June 30, 2010) - Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Executive Director Timothy Quinn issued the following statement today regarding Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's and Sen. Darrell Steinberg's decision to seek to delay a vote on an $11.14 billion water bond until the November 2012 ballot. The Safe, Clean and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010 is part of a comprehensive water package approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor in 2009, and would provide much-needed public funding for water supply reliability, Delta sustainability, water recycling, conservation, surface and groundwater storage, groundwater protection and cleanup, and drought relief.
Yesterday, the governor and Steinberg announced their intent to introduce a bill this week that would move a vote on the water bond from November 2010 to November 2012. The bill to delay the bond vote would require two-thirds approval in both houses of the Legislature.
"The successful implementation of the 2009 comprehensive legislative water package, including a bond to provide appropriate public financing, is of paramount importance to the future of California. ACWA continues to support the package and its implementation moving forward.
"We recognize that this decision was very difficult to make. However, given the current economic climate and the need to focus on the state's dire budget shortfall, ACWA recognizes that the decision is intended to maximize chances of success for the water package over the next decade.
"This decision does not affect the forward movement of implementing the package. Funding is available through previous bond measures for important projects over the next two years. ACWA will continue to focus on implementation and work toward securing a long-term financing plan through the water bond when it goes to voters in 2012."
ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 450 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Lisa Lien-Mager
ACWA Communications Supervisor
916/441-4545
530/902-3815 (cell)