California Lawmakers Pass Water Package

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCBS) -- After years of struggle, lawmakers in California have passed a package of measures to overhaul the state's water system.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger calls the legislation to address the state's water needs a historic achievement.

"This will build water storage above the ground and below the ground. This will build the canal in order to protect the delta," Schwarzenegger said. "This will fix the delta, the ecosystem of the delta."

KCBS’ Melissa Culross Reports

Lawmakers passed the package early Wednesday morning. It includes an $11.4 billion bond for funding, which will have to be approved by the voters.

However, not everyone is optimistic. Water expert Peter Gleick, the president and co-founder of the Pacific Institute, said he has mixed feelings about the package.

"I like the idea that we're starting to regulate and monitor groundwater levels. I think that's a start," Gleick said. "I think those are weak. I like the idea that there's some urban conservation targets, but again they're weak. It's hard to find things that I really love."

Gleick acknowledges that California has been waiting for a long time for new water legislation, but he believes these measures are unlikely to solve the state's problems in the long run.

(kmi)