Members of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors today expressed support for a statewide water bond headed for the November ballot which they believe will address state and regional water needs without sacrificing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, its health or economic wellbeing.
“The new water bond is far better than the 2009 version, both for what it contains and what it doesn’t,” said Supervisor Don Nottoli, whose district includes many Delta communities. “For example, monies would be available to support the Delta Conservancy’s efforts to restore and protect the Delta and to assist in water related agricultural sustainability projects.”
“State Senator Lois Wolk, who championed Delta protection, as well as Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and the Delta legislative delegation deserve our thanks,” continued Nottoli. “This new measure will provide first-time funding for the Delta Conservancy, needed funds for Delta levee improvements and explicitly prohibits spending any monies to advance the construction of the proposed twin tunnels.”
“This bond helps us accomplish important goals we’ve pursued for a long time,” said Supervisor Phil Serna. “It helps us secure cleaner drinking water while protecting and restoring some of California’s most critical ecosystems. Voters will have a very responsible bond to consider in November, one that enjoys bipartisan support.”
AB 1471, the legislation placing the water bond on the ballot, asks voters to approve $7.12 billion for projects which will build new water storage facilities, invests in safe drinking water, cleans-up groundwater contamination, improves water conservation efforts, and expands water recycling programs, among other things.
The bond will appear on the November 4, 2014, ballot as Proposition 1.
