In the time of Katrina, and revelations that our region is the least protected from flooding of any other major river city in the nation, and the only option to obtain the 500 year protection level most other river cities have, is a dam which has been strenuously (see our dam report on our website) resisted for decades; it is good to see public leadership take on and commit to building dams, even if they are not the ones we need here.
Governor still set on two new dams
He says he'll keep pushing his $5.9 billion water plan.
By Kevin Yamamura - Bee Capitol Bureau
Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, May 10, 2007
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger pledged Wednesday to continue pursuing his $5.9 billion water plan after it stalled last month in the state Senate, and he reiterated his desire to build new dams in California despite Democratic opposition.
In a nod to Democrats, the Republican governor emphasized his proposed $200 million in conservation grants at an Association of California Water Agencies luncheon in Sacramento. Yet he drew the most applause from 700 water officials when he called for two new dams in California.
"As you all know, investing in conservation only is not enough to solve our water problem," Schwarzenegger said. "... We need additional above-the-ground water storage."
The governor gave no indication Wednesday that he would reduce the size of his plan.
The thrust of his proposal calls for a new dam above Friant Dam near Fresno and another new dam at Sites reservoir in Colusa and Glenn counties. Democratic leaders and environmental groups believe the state can solve its needs by relying more on improvements in water management and conservation.
Schwarzenegger asserted Wednesday that more water storage is necessary because global warming will increase drought conditions. He also said California's population will grow 30 percent in the next two decades.
