SACRAMENTO – This morning, Governor Jerry Brown released the proposed California State Budget for 2018-19. At the official press conference, the Governor emphasized the importance of building up the state’s “rainy day fund” in preparation for the next recession and any statewide environmental emergencies similar to those that plagued California in 2017.
The budget includes a proposed $4 billion water bond (SB 5) that would go to California’s parks, water and flood control infrastructure, ocean and coastal protection, safe drinking water, groundwater management and climate preparedness and resiliency if approved by voters this June.
Executive Director of Restore the Delta, Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla said,
“The Governor is counting on another $4 billion general obligation bond for California’s parks, water, and flood infrastructure. For Restore the Delta, assurances must be made that none of the funds proposed under SB 5 would be marked for the misnamed California WaterFix (also known as the Delta Tunnels project), or to mitigate for the damage created by the project. Californians should not be on the hook for a project in which beneficiaries are supposed to pay. Californians should not be on the hook for a project that will not augment our water supply, but will deliver water benefits to the top 1% of corporations in the south end of the state.
“Beyond that, funds from the last bond that are supposed to help communities secure safe and clean drinking water supplies are being distributed somewhat slowly. And it’s not well documented if these funds are being spent in a way that will bring about real improvements to our water supply. Californians are willing to invest in our water infrastructure. That is why we think the Brown Administration needs to improve reporting & show the public if and where real water supply improvements are being made in the system if they want support for yet another bond from the public.”
ICYMI: January 10, 2018
Contact:
Nora Kovaleski, 408-806-6470, nora@kovaleskipr.com
Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Restore the Delta, 209-479-2053, barbara@restorethedelta.org