Jeffries Applauds Governor’s Actions on Drought
Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries (R-Lake Elsinore) today applauded Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for signing an executive order declaring a drought and calling for concerted state action to conserve water and better coordinate Two areas hit hard…..
The Inland Empire. As significant population growth for California is occurring in the Inland Empire, we will be one of the hardest hit regions. The current drought conditions have already adversely impacted the ability of new businesses to expand into Riverside County (i.e. EMWD and the food company?).
Northern San Diego county. With large Ag operations, northern S.D. county Ag farmers have already been hit with drastic cut backs.
With the severe slump in the housing construction industry already causing significant job losses, a prolonged drought in California could have a devastating economic impact statewide.
Some quote along the lines of… “This past year I have seen good people come to the table in Sacramento, working to negotiate statewide solutions on behalf of everyone. Unfortunately a small number of powerful hardline environmentalists have derailed those negotiations, apparently preferring that we all move into grass huts or move out of the state”.
The first step in addressing the challenge is reasonable conservation efforts at the local level, followed with the prompt release of previously approved state water bond proceeds so that local water agencies can improve water treatment facilities and enhance ground water resources. Ironically, part of our state water problem is with the State Department of Water Resources. “I have heard an incredible amount of concerns indicating that DWR has been dragging its feet when it comes to approving bond funding for badly local water projects”. The 800 lb gorilla however remains the condition of the Delta and the need for new conveyance system around the Delta. Both projects need to get underway immediately if we are serious about our long term water supply.
Jeffries has been very vocal about the need to get started. He has repeatedly led the way on the Assembly floor in calling for the Legislature to stop attempting to micro-manage local water providers and start addressing the statewide needs.
Jeffries served nearly 16 years total on the Board of Directors of the Western MWD and Elsinore Valley MWD.