BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 1649
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ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB
1649 (Salas and Gallagher)
As Amended May 27, 2016
Majority
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|Committee |Votes|Ayes |Noes |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
|----------------+-----+----------------------+--------------------|
|Water |11-0 |Levine, Gallagher, | |
| | |Bigelow, Dodd, | |
| | |Eduardo Garcia, | |
| | |Gomez, Lopez, Mathis, | |
| | |Medina, Olsen, Salas | |
| | | | |
|----------------+-----+----------------------+--------------------|
|Appropriations |20-0 |Gonzalez, Bigelow, | |
| | |Bloom, Bonilla, | |
| | |Bonta, Calderon, | |
| | |Chang, Daly, Eggman, | |
| | |Gallagher, Eduardo | |
| | |Garcia, Roger | |
| | |Hernández, Holden, | |
| | |Jones, Obernolte, | |
| | |Quirk, Santiago, | |
| | |Wagner, Weber, Wood | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
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AB 1649
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SUMMARY: Requires the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to
develop a state water policy that gives priority to the
formation and funding of joint powers authorities (JPAs)
established to address surface water storage needs by April 30,
2017.
EXISTING LAW:
1)Establishes a Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta policy that among
other things lists expanded statewide water storage as an
objective.
2)Provides that surface storage projects identified in the
CALFED Bay-Delta Program Record of Decision, except projects
prohibited by the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, are
eligible for funding under Proposition 1 of 2014.
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations
Committee, DWR estimates increased costs of $850,000 to develop
a state policy to form JPAs and $2.5 million to develop a state
policy to fund JPAs out of the General Fund or special funds.
COMMENTS: AB 1471 (Rendon), Chapter 188, Statutes of 2014,
placed Proposition 1, a $7.545 billion general obligation bond
for water-related projects and programs on the November 4, 2014,
ballot where it passed with 67% of the vote.
Proposition 1 continuously appropriates $2.7 billion to the
California Water Commission (Commission) for storage. The
Proposition made those funds available for all of the following
projects:
AB 1649
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1)Surface storage projects identified in the CALFED Bay-Delta
Program Record of Decision, except projects prohibited by the
California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
2)Groundwater storage projects and groundwater contamination
prevention or remediation projects that provide water storage
benefits.
3)Conjunctive use and reservoir reoperation projects.
4)Local and regional surface storage projects that improve the
operation of water systems in the state and provide public
benefits.
The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the
Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Seven members are chosen
for their expertise in the control, storage, and beneficial use
of water and two are chosen for their knowledge of the
environment. In addition to providing funding for storage,
Proposition 1 conditioned funding on specific public benefits
being met.
Concerns have been raised about the ability to develop the
policy in the necessary time frame. Additionally, a surface
storage prioritization policy could hinder the ability to make
the highest value investments with Water Bond funds.
Analysis Prepared by:
Ryan Ojakian / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096
FN: 0003357
AB 1649
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