Facing severe drought amid a massive state budget surplus, Ag Council initiated the development of a letter sent to Governor Newsom and legislative leaders in coordination with other agricultural organizations to request 2022-2023 state budget investments for water infrastructure projects while opposing a proposal relating to water rights.
The budget letter expresses support for General Fund dollars to go toward completion of Sites Reservoir, safe drinking water efforts, relief regarding state water board fees, water projects to assist with SGMA compliance, enhancement of dam safety and upgrading failing infrastructure in California.
In addition, Ag Council and other agricultural groups signing the letter strongly oppose a water rights proposal to spend $1.5 billion to buy senior water rights to permanently retire lands through voluntary action.
The letter also expresses support for state programs funded in the budget proposal including canal infrastructure repairs, groundwater recharge projects, the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program and funds to implement voluntary agreements.
Though the Legislature recently passed a budget template, the Legislature and Governor Newsom continue to finalize budget details.
To read the letter about the funding requests, please click HERE.