Newsom’s Proposed Budget Affects Funding in Water Categories by ACWA Staff Jan 10, 2024 Water News SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom today unveiled his $291.4 billion proposed state budget for the 2024-’25 fiscal year. While it would rescind funding for several important water issues, it would also include new funding for flood protection and the Salton Sea. Newsom’s proposed budget would reduce funding for watershed climate resilience, recycled water, flood protection, PFAS treatment and Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations to help address an estimated $37.9 billion shortfall. While the significant shortfall must be addressed, ACWA will advocate to maintain funding for water and climate issues. An ACWA Advisory distributed today contains specific funding changes and is available at www.acwa.com. Member login is required. While the governor did not mention a climate resilience/water bond when he unveiled his proposed budget, ACWA will continue to advocate in support of legislation that would place a bond on the November ballot. That advocacy focuses on additional investments in the areas of recycled water, desalination, groundwater recharge, water storage, conveyance, dam safety, safe drinking water, PFAS remediation, water conservation, and several other critical water infrastructure categories. California’s Constitution requires the governor to submit a balanced budget proposal to the Legislature by Jan. 10 of each year. A revised budget will be released in May, and the Legislature will have until June 15 to pass a final budget.