ACWA Hails Legislative Approval of Historic 2014 Water Bond

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 14, 2014) - The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) hails the approval by the Legislature of an historic $7.5 billion water bond. If approved by voters in November, the bond will provide critical funds as the state grapples with one of the most severe droughts in its history. The bond also will allow for much-needed investments in the state's backbone water infrastructure system -- investments that have not been made in over 50 years.

"Legislative approval of a water bond in 2014 has been a top priority for the ACWA Board of Directors this year," said ACWA President John Coleman. "The targeted monies in this bond will provide the necessary funding to move California forward in implementing a statewide comprehensive water plan that helps to secure our water future.

"Gov. Jerry Brown, Senate President pro Tem Darrel Steinberg, Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, and Assembly Republic Leader Connie Conway are to be commended for hammering out a bi-partisan compromise."

ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn also applauded the legislative action.

"This water bond is the right size at the right time for California," added Quinn. "The bond will provide investments where we need them -- in new surface and groundwater storage projects, regional water reliability, sustainable groundwater management and cleanup, water recycling, water conservation, watershed protection and safe drinking water, particularly for disadvantaged communities.

"It hasn't always been a smooth road on the way to this bond, but thanks to the work of our fiscally responsible Governor, the Legislative leaders in both the Senate and the Assembly, the bill authors and many other Legislators who played key roles, this carefully crafted, targeted bond has a greatly enhanced chance of a successful outcome with voters this November."

ACWA is statewide association of public agencies whose 430 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.