ACWA Outreach Advisory – June 27, 2014
Water Bond Action Expected in Coming Days
ACWA Continues to Work for Downsized Measure that Advances Statewide Plan
With less than a week to go before the Legislature adjourns for summer recess, negotiations on a downsized water bond are in full swing and in the news. This update is intended to alert you to the bond’s status and what to expect as negotiations move into the final days.
Gov. Jerry Brown made it known this week that he wants a water bond measure on the November 2014 ballot, and he has initiated the negotiations with the Legislature with a $6 billion water bond proposal. Current legislative proposals call for something in the $10 billion range. What ultimately emerges from the Legislature likely will be determined over the next week.
From ACWA’s perspective, the governor’s engagement in the water bond discussion is a very positive development. This bond must be about advancing a comprehensive, statewide strategy to address California’s water needs, and the governor’s position indicates that he, too, sees the bond as a key part of a plan that works for the entire state. In addition, the governor’s support is critical to advancing any water bond.
We strongly believe that 2014 is the year to put a responsible water bond measure before California voters. We are experiencing one of the worst droughts on record, and public concern about water is at an all-time high. We have the opportunity to make real progress on water policy and secure a bond that advances a statewide, comprehensive water plan that works for all regions of the state.
Though the bond that ultimately emerges may be smaller in size than ACWA and many members would prefer, we know a downsized version is necessary to aid its passage this fall. In fact, polling indicates that a smaller bond has a greater chance of passing, especially if it’s supported by the governor, who is viewed as fiscally disciplined.
We urge ACWA members to be prepared to support a smaller bond as long as it advances the statewide, comprehensive approach championed in ACWA’s Statewide Water Action Plan and laid out in the Brown Administration’s own California Water Action Plan.
A few bond bills remain in play, but ACWA believes we are within striking distance of agreement on a primary vehicle that will meet our criteria for support. In our view, any bond that advances must promote water supply improvements in every region of the state, provide strong protection for existing water rights, and fund critically needed investments in water storage capacity and local resources strategies such as conservation, recycling, groundwater cleanup and management, and habitat watershed restoration. It also must provide adequate funding for safe drinking water improvements in disadvantaged communities around the state.
Next Steps:
We expect developments to unfold quickly in the coming days. Legislative leaders have said they intend to pass a modified water bond bill before adjourning for summer recess on July 3.
We are asking ACWA members to be prepared to respond to alerts with specific instructions as a final bond bill emerges and moves through the process.
ACWA will keep you apprised through Outreach Advisories and special updates such as this one.
ACWA’s formal position on a 2014 water bond will be determined by the ACWA Board of Directors once the legislative process is concluded.
ACWA’s Priorities
As stated above, ACWA’s priority is to secure a bond that advances a statewide, comprehensive plan for California’s water future. Though the ultimate vehicle may look somewhat different from the criteria adopted by ACWA’s Board of Directors last year, we believe it is critical to put a bond before voters that accomplishes the big picture – funding much-needed investments in projects and programs as part of a statewide, comprehensive plan.
Tags: policy, water
