California: Governor Signs $1 Billion Water Package

Gov. signed legislation Friday that speeds up $1 billion in water infrastructure spending amid the worst drought in a generation. The bills he signed will offer some aid to residents hurt by the drought, but the vast majority is expedited spending on water infrastructure. California’s vast water delivery system is struggling under a fourth year of little snow and rain. Nearly two-thirds, or $660 million, of the water package goes to shore up flood protection structures to prevent mudslides and sudden storms from overtaking communities. Voters first approved this spending in 2006 after . An additional $267 million from a measure approved at the ballot last year would fund grants for water recycling programs and help small and poor cities provide drinking water by funding new wells and wastewater treatment facilities. Lawmakers said they needed to begin water projects early, especially as fear mounts that California is in the middle of a serious long-term drought.

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