One of the benefits of budget peril within government is the tendency to want to reevaluate administration to determine if any cost savings—and efficiencies—can be realized through reorganization, and this budget crisis is no exception as the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
An excerpt.
“SACRAMENTO – Overshadowed by the more immediate budget crisis, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and lawmakers are crafting separate plans to restructure state fire protection and water-delivery services across California.
“Desperate to save money and under intense pressure to shrink government, lawmakers have caught reorganization fever – evaluating offices that oversee everything from fishing to logging to boating.
“Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, one of the leaders of the reorganization drive, said deliberations are designed to “see what makes sense for the 21st century.”
“What emerges could determine who controls two of the most vital public services the state provides. But major political fights loom, particularly for the water portion, given that even modest and inexpensive variations in the status quo can set off turf battles.
“No one is suggesting that the public would notice any on-the-ground change. Fire crews will still respond to alarms and water will still flow to homes, businesses and farms. Ultimately, the question will be whether those services can be done more efficiently.
“A proposal that has drawn considerable attention would create a Department of Natural Resources with command over a variety of responsibilities. That would allow the state to ax the Board of Forestry and the Department of Water Resources.
“In conjunction, lawmakers are advancing a proposal to move Cal Fire, which provides front-line protection for much of rural San Diego County, from the Department of Forestry into the state Office of Emergency Services.
“They also are looking to wrest control of the vital State Water Project from the Department of Water Resources and turn over the plumbing system to a new state-controlled utility or oversight commission. The structure of that utility has not been determined, but likely would be appointed by the governor. About one-third of the San Diego region's supply flows through the State Water Project and its headwaters, Lake Oroville.
“Lester Snow, water resources director, said just splitting off the project would be “a knee-jerk reaction with unintended consequences.”
“But, Snow added, “I'm all for” a broader review that takes into account other vital functions, such as flood management and dam safety. Legislators have suggested moving flood protection into the little-known Central Valley Flood Protection Board.”
