Emergency drought relief bills signed, sealed and delivered

On Saturday, Governor Jerry Brown signed the pair of emergency drought relief bills passed by the Assembly and Senate last week. One bill is focused on drought relief policy (SB 104) and the other is focused on drought relief funding (SB 103).

The majority of the funding provisions are included in SB 103, with the exception of funding for the Integrated Regional Water Management Program, which is included in SB 104.

“Legislators across the aisle have now voted to help hard-pressed communities that face water shortages,” said Brown, in his press release. “This legislation marks a crucial step – but Californians must continue to take every action possible to conserve water.”

The legislation includes over $650 million from previously approved bond measures and other sources of existing state funds. Some highlights:

  • $472 million for the Integrated Regional Water Management Program. At least $200 million of these funds would be expedited for immediate drought-related projects.
  • $77 million for multi-benefit Central Valley flood control projects that provide water supply, water quality, or ecosystem improvements.
  • $40 million from cap and trade auction revenues for local, state, and agricultural water/energy nexus projects.
  • $2.3 million for emergency fish and wildlife conservation efforts.

View more details on the legislation: