California Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Federal Court Ruling to Restrict Water Supply throughout California

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08/31/2007 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement after Federal Court Judge Oliver Wanger ruled to significantly restrict water deliveries from the Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta to the Bay Area, Central Valley and Southern California:

“Today's federal court ruling to drastically cut Delta water exports is further proof that our water system is broken, unreliable and in crisis. Judge Oliver Wanger's decision is a devastating blow to our water supply system and state economy. We must act now to ensure the safety and reliability of California's water system while we work to protect the environment.

“This decision is also going to have a devastating impact on the state's economy and the 25 million Californians who depend on Delta water.

“Earlier this year, I proposed a comprehensive water plan to ensure that California has enough clean, safe water for our people, businesses, farms and for the environment. I've also established the Delta Vision Task Force to provide recommendations and help us find solutions to fix the Delta. We need to invest in a better conveyance system so we have reliable water supplies and are able to protect the Delta's fragile ecosystem. Following today's ruling, there can be no doubt, we need more water storage and greater conservation efforts to meet the needs of our growing population, respond to the challenge climate change presents and meet the requirements of what the court has imposed.”

Building on his Strategic Growth Plan from last year, the Governor introduced a $5.9 billion comprehensive water plan in January. The Governor's plan invests $4.5 billion to develop additional surface and groundwater storage, so we can protect communities against flooding and capture water from storms and snowmelt run-off to supply cities, farmers and business with water during drought conditions. The plan also includes $1 billion toward restoration of the Delta, including development of a new conveyance system, $250 million to support restoration projects on the Klamath, San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers and the Salton Sea project and $200 million for grants to California communities to help conserve water for about 400,000 families.

The Governor has directed the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force to develop a Delta management plan. The task force will present its findings and recommendations by January 1, 2008 and its Strategic Plan by October 31, 2008. The Bay Delta Conservation Plan is also underway, being developed with broad participation from water agencies, environmental organizations and local representatives. The $1 billion proposed in the Governor’s comprehensive plan will be used to fund their recommendations.

Source: California Governor