Drought Packaged Signed by Governor Brown

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On March 27, Governor Jerry Brown signed a $1.1 billion emergency drought package which was approved by the Legislature.

The emergency drought package includes: $267 million in Proposition 1 water bond funds for safe drinking water and water recycling, $660 million from Proposition 1E for flood protection to prepare for future weather events, $17 million for emergency food aid to drought-affected areas, $4 million for emergency drinking water to disadvantaged communities, $5 million to the Department of Water Resources to provide emergency drinking water support for small communities, including private well shortages, as well as other funding.

The drought package also creates a new office within the State Water Resources Control Board tasked with finding permanent solutions for safe drinking water and wastewater treatment.

Both Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature expressed support for emergency assistance to drought-stricken areas. However, Republicans objected to new government authorities created by the drought package. In particular, Republicans argued that certain provisions in the legislation give broad powers for government officials to prevent landowners or water rights holders from appealing penalties. Republicans expressed concerns regarding the portion of the drought package that authorizes fines of up to $8,000 for those who illegally dam or divert rivers and streams. The drought legislation authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to levy civil penalties "where diversions are obstructing fish passage" and for "obstructions associated with marijuana cultivation."

Article written by Trudi Hughes, California League of Food Processors,  Government Affairs Director

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