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Photo: Department of Water Resources

June 29, 2010, Statement from the Campaign:

As you may have heard, there is a possibility that Proposition 18, the Safe, Clean and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act, may be pushed from the November 2010 statewide ballot to 2012. Below please find our campaign statement that was just released to the news media:

Statement from Jim Earp, executive director of California Alliance for Jobs and chair of the campaign to pass the water bond, Alliance for Clean Water and Jobs.

SACRAMENTO, CA – “The water bond represents a truly comprehensive solution to fix the problems in the Delta, increase conservation and recycling, and expand the availability and quality of water supplies in every region of the state. That’s why the measure enjoys unprecedented support from business, labor, environmentalists, farmers, water agencies and many others.

“We’re confident that when presented to voters, they will approve the measure. However, in light of the economic situation, we agree with the Governor and legislative leaders that the best timing for the water bond is in 2012. We support postponing the bond to 2012.”

We greatly appreciate the broad support the water bond has received, and our campaign will keep you posted as we know more about the status of the bond. We have posted below written statements from the Governor and Senator Dave Cogdill.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement Regarding the Water Supply Act of 2010

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the Water Supply Act of 2010:

“After reviewing the agenda for this year, I believe our focus should be on the budget -- solving the deficit, reforming out of control pension costs and fixing our broken budget system. It's critical that the water bond pass, as it will improve California's economic growth, environmental sustainability and water supply for future generations. For that reason, I will work with the legislature to postpone the bond to the next ballot and avoid jeopardizing its passage.”

The Water Supply Act is a crucial component of the comprehensive water package that passed in 2009. The bond will fund, with local cost-sharing, drought relief, water supply reliability, Delta sustainability, statewide water system operational improvements, conservation and watershed protection, groundwater protection and water recycling and water conservation programs.

Delaying the bond will not impact other parts of the 2009 water package, such as enhancing the Delta ecosystem, better monitoring groundwater basins, reducing statewide consumption and improving diversion patterns.

In May 2004, state leaders passed a bill to delay voting on the high-speed rail bond until November 2006, and later delayed the vote again until November 2008, when it eventually passed as Proposition 1A. The voters' approval of Proposition 1A in 2008 made a $9.95 billion bond-funded down payment on high-speed rail in California.

Senator Cogdill Issues Statement Regarding Voter Approval of Water Bond

Senator Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto, today issued the following statement regarding the decision to delay the Safe, Clean and Reliable Drinking Water Act until the November 2012 ballot:

“Ensuring California has a safe and reliable water supply is, has, and always will be my top priority. I have dedicated the last four years to achieving this goal and I am committed to getting this bond passed at the ballot box. While I believe we must immediately invest in our water future, timing is everything and I'm willing to wait to bolster voter understanding of this critical measure.

“I’m encouraged by the fact that a recent poll shows that 75 percent of voters believe passing a bond is important. By waiting until 2012, we can give the economy a greater opportunity to rebound and lessen economic concerns about this critical investment.

“When I leave the Legislature later this year, my dedication to rebuilding our aging water infrastructure will not end. I will continue to fight to ensure California’s water needs are met now and for future generations of families, businesses, farmers and ranchers. It’s not just a public safety concern, it’s critical to our overall economy and one of the biggest issues facing our state.”

Delaying bonds have not hampered ultimate success at the ballot box. Though the bond authorizing the construction of a high speed rail was twice delayed, 52 percent of voters ultimately approved the measure in 2008.

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