Department of Water Resources
A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment
April 25, 2007
5. Agencies, Programs, People
SB 59:
Editorial: Bad move by Democrats; Lawmakers aren't looking at the big picture on water storage issue -
RATE HIKE:
Water rate hike sought by firm; California-American says it needs $73.7 million for groundwater cleanup, new storage facilities - Sacramento
DEVELOPMENT:
RV park planned - Marysville Appeal Democrat
SB 59:
Editorial: Bad move by Democrats; Lawmakers aren't looking at the big picture on water storage issue
Democrats in the state Senate's Natural Resources and Water Committee killed a proposal to build a dam at Temperance Flat, claiming the state needs more water conservation. Of course it does. It also needs to capture water that is now being wasted because there's no place to store it.
That's why a 21st century water policy must include conservation, as well as above-ground and below-ground storage facilities.
If Senate Democrats say conservation is the only answer to our water problems, they'd better find a way to stop the
On Tuesday, the Natural Resources and Water Committee voted 4-3 against a bill that would have asked voters to spend $2.5 billion on water storage, including the dam east of
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein both support the dam. But they have to contend with state legislators such as Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, who said building dams is "so yesterday."
Talk about not being able to see the big picture. The state's population is expected to grow by 30% in the next 20 years. Even if the most conservative estimates of global climate change prove true, we could have serious shortages of water in the state by the next generation. Warming also will increase the snow melt and that water needs to be stored.
State Sen. Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto, is the principal sponsor of the water storage bill, SB 59. If it gets out of the Legislature and is signed by the governor, it would go on the ballot and voters would have the final say.
The governor remains optimistic about a legislative solution. At a news conference, he said the fight is not over. "Yes, it has stalled. But in the end, I think the momentum is gaining in
We hope so. The Senate's action Tuesday was very shortsighted. #
http://www.fresnobee.com/274/story/44022.html
RATE HIKE:
Water rate hike sought by firm; California-American says it needs $73.7 million for groundwater cleanup, new storage facilities
Sacramento
By Bobby Caina Calvan, staff writer
California-American Water, which serves thousands of customers in the capital region, is petitioning the state Public Utilities Commission for a rate increase that would increase residential water bills by about a third and business bills by almost half.
The company is seeking to raise $73.7 million for a host of capital improvement projects -- including $15 million to deal with groundwater contamination in
"No one likes a rate increase; however, there are standards we have to adhere to, as far as public safety," said Debra Vernon, the company's spokeswoman in
Its last approved hike -- in 2004 -- raised rates by 17 percent over three years. An increase of nearly 3 percent went into effect this year.
The company supplies water to about 57,000 customers in Isleton, south Sacramento, North Highlands, Arden Arcade, Elverta, Citrus Heights, Antelope, Walnut Grove and Rancho Cordova.
The application for the rate increase was submitted to the PUC in January and its approval is pending.
If approved by the PUC -- a decision is expected in the fall -- the new rates would go into effect in January.
The hike, which would be spread over three years, translates to an increase of about 33 cents a day for metered homes or 39 cents for flat-rate customers or 32.9 percent, the company said. Business customers can expect an increase of about $1.50 a day, or 48 percent.
The proposed rate increases don't sit well with some residents.
"There's a whole lot of folks that just cannot afford that kind of increase," said Val Martin, 74, a retired salesman who lives in Antelope.
"I live on Social Security like most elderly people do," said Martin, who expects to pay an additional $15 on his usual bill of about $50 a month. "I really can't afford it."
As part of its rate-increase application, the company is planning to launch a low-income assistance program that would provide monthly discounts.
The company is proposing to launch a conservation program intended to lower bills for customers who reduce water usage.
It has plans to continue upgrading its services, including new fire hydrants, expanding metered service and upgrades to water-treatment plants.
In Isleton, the company plans to spend $1 million for a 350,000-gallon storage tank -- which is expected to help the area's fire district -- and $2.6 million treatment system to reduce arsenic contamination.
To address growth in the Rosemont area, the company is planning to spend $3.9 million, part of which will be for replacing contaminated wells and a bigger storage tank. #
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/161369.html
DEVELOPMENT:
RV park planned
Marysville Appeal Democrat – 4/25/07
By Daniel Witter, staff writer
Recreational vehicle enthusiasts looking for a camping spot along the
Developers have plans to convert a 113-acre site along
The State Reclamation Board gave its approval Friday for a special permit for builder Milton Miner to develop the site since it is in a flood project zone.
The project now needs Yuba County Planning Commission approval. The commission will consider issuing a conditional permit on May 16. That meeting will take place in the Board of Supervisors chambers at the
“The initial study is out for review,” said
The project will occur in two phases: The first phase will include 100 recreational vehicle sites, 100 camping sites, lavatory units, laundry facilities, a recreational vehicle dump station, fixed-barbecue units and picnic tables, swimming beach, recreation room, manager’s office and a kiosk for guest check-in.
The second phase will include 100 additional recreational vehicle sites, a second lavatory unit and marine facilities including docks for fishing access.
The developers plan to pave a road and install stone planters at the entry and center aisle with landscaping improvements.
The project was initially approved in August 2002, but Miner didn’t start any work on the property, so the permit expired, Cucchi said.
The project only needs approval from the Planning Commission unless the item is appealed to the Board of Supervisors.
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