Lawmakers reach deal on water bond

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- At the State Capitol, legislators finally reached agreement on a revised water bond for the November ballot.

An $11 billion water bond taken off the ballot in 2009 was trimmed considerably. Governor Brown and lawmakers agreed on a leaner $7.5 billion. $2.7 billion will go for storage projects including Temperance Flat Reservoir upstream from Millerton Lake. But Fresno farmer Will Scott felt $3 billion was needed.

Scott said, "We probably need that much money in order to do the job that needs to be done. Sometimes we piece meal things just for economic sake just to get by."

Local political and Ag leaders demanded $3 billion for water storage as did republicans in Sacramento. Negotiations started at $2 billion.

Congressman Jim Costa of Fresno said, "We gotta thank our Valley delegation because they brought the governor from $2 billion to $2.7 billion - that's big."

Despite the compromise some environmental groups weren't happy with the revised bond.

Kathryn Phillips of Sierra Club California said, "As this bond is currently drafted none of that money will go to the coastal areas and it's not a fair playing field."

Several Valley growers have pulled citrus trees and idled fields due to the lack of water. Scott was frustrated by the lack of progress.

"That's why I say to the legislators on something like this, get away from your desk," said Scott. "Come down and see the people that are going to be impacted by it."

The water bond also sets aside money for recycling, groundwater cleanup and habitat restoration.

Monday's deadline at the State Capitol was pushed to Wednesday. It had to be met so voter guides can be printed.