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Local Districts Endorse Water Plan for State: Blueprint That Includes Construction of Storage Facilities Submitted to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Posted on: Tuesday, 27 December 2005, 12:00 CST

By Miguel Gonzalez, Daily Press, Victorville, Calif., Daily Press, Victorville, Calif.

Dec. 27--VICTOR VALLEY -- Two local water districts have approved resolutions to support a plan that, if approved by the office of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, would address every major water issue the state will face in the future. The plan, known as the Blueprint for California Water, was submitted to the office of the governor by the Association of California Water Agencies, an entity with 444 water agencies as members. Both the Mojave Water Agency and the Victor Valley Water District have approved to publicly support this plan which would also support the construction of more water storage facilities. The Blueprint contains 12 recommendations of the Association for California Water Agencies for meeting the State's water needs. Of particular concern are the first two steps of the Blueprint: Improving the existing Delta water conveyance system; and evaluating long term threats to the Delta and pursuing actions to reduce risk. Recently, Schwarzenegger indicated that his office is evaluating each recommendation and will eventually make a decision on the plan. MWA spokesman Michael Stevens said this recommendation is important for the state because the plan addresses providing water to growing regions. "Such is the case of the High Desert," Stevens said. "We can't just live from day to day. We have to look into the future to provide alternatives." If the state adopts the plan, the High Desert could be benefited in the long run with the construction of additional reservoir space for Southern California. "Seventy percent of California's water comes from the north, while 70 percent of California's population is in the south," VVWD General Manager Randy Hill said. ACWA Executive Director Steve Hall said in a phone interview from Sacramento that support from local water agencies is vital for getting the governor's office and the Legislature to implement the recommendations. "We are a growing state and water is very much in demand," he said. "If the state does not act, we will see more demands unfulfilled, especially in areas like the Victor Valley," Hall said.

The issue will be discussed by Sacramento power players in 2006. Hall said costs for this program have not been totaled and would depend on Schwarzenegger's decision. Miguel Gonzalez may be reached at mgonzalez@vvdailypress.com or 951-6232. From Here: -- Back to today's news -- News Archive -- Join the discussion at the community forum

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Copyright (c) 2005, Daily Press, Victorville, Calif.

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Source: Daily Press - Victorville, California

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