"MATHER, Calif. -- Describing the drought as a 'call to action,' Gov. Jerry Brown joined Democratic legislative leaders Wednesday to unveil a $687.4 million package aimed at helping California get through its water crisis and better prepare for the next one."
"The legislation calls for speeding up approval of water conservation and clean drinking-water projects and offers relief to out-of-work farmers struggling to pay mortgages and grocery bills. Towns and cities that are running out of water would get $15 million in emergency funds.
Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John Perez, D-Los Angeles, stressed that no new taxes or fees for water use will be imposed to fund the plan. Instead, most of the money, about $550 million, will come from water and disaster-preparation bonds approved by voters in 2006."
Jessica Calefati and Josh Richman report for the San Jose Mercury News February 19, 2014.
SEE ALSO:
"California Officials Forecast ‘Zero’ Water Deliveries" (Sacramento Bee)
"Health Experts Warn of Water Contamination From California Drought" (Reuters)
"California Drought: Grass-Fed Beef Industry Reeling" (San Francisco Chronicle)
"Reclamation To Slash Calif. Water Deliveries To Historic Low" (Greenwire)
"California Lawmakers Offer $687 Million Drought Relief Bill" (ENS)
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