Governor Signs Bill on Delta Levee Cost-Sharing

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation extending a cost-sharing program for levee maintenance and improvements in the Delta.

SB 808 (Wolk) extends the state’s authorization to reimburse local agencies for up to 75% of levee maintenance and improvement costs. Without the bill, the state would not have been able to provide more than 50% reimbursement after July 1 of this year.

The measure extends the program’s authorization to July 1, 2013, which coincides with the state’s deadline to reassess it plans and priorities for protecting Delta levees.

“At a time when funding is hard to come by, this measure extends a successful program that helps to safeguard the Delta’s continuing role as the heart of the state’s water system, as fertile farmland and a rich estuary ecosystem,” Sen. Lois Wolk (D-Davis) said in a statement.

Supporters of the bill included ACWA, Contra Costa Water District, Central Delta Water Agency, East Bay Municipal Utility District, North Delta Water Agency, South Delta Water Agency, Central Valley Flood Control Association, Agency, Regional Council of Rural Counties, Department of Water Resources, California State Association of Counties (CSAC), Sacramento County and Valley Ag Water Coalition.