Cogdill Unveils $9.98 Billion Water Plan

Sacramento, CA — State Senator Dave Cogdill has released a plan that calls for issuing $9.98 billion in general obligation bonds to repair and expand California’s aging water infrastructure.

“It is our next big crisis, unfortunately, for the state of California,” says Cogdill. “Many of us believe it could make the energy crisis pale in comparison.”

$3 billion would be set aside for additional water storage, $2.4 billion for delta sustainability, $1.5 billion for regional water supply reliability, $1 billion for river restoration projects, just under a billion for efforts to reduce groundwater contamination, and $520 million for conservation and efficiency programs.

In order to be adopted, the proposal must pass through the Legislature and be approved by voters. In early April, the bill will face its first hearing in the Senate Natural Resources Committee.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com