U.S. House Passes Multibillion Water Bill. The U.S. House Of Representatives Overwhelmingly Approved A Multibillion−Dollar Bill Thursday, April 19.
Hundreds of projects are in the bill that was approved 394−25. Supporters say the projects are sorely needed to improve access to water supplies, restore coastal shorelines, improve flood control and navigation channels and other needs. But there is disagreement over how much those will cost. The Congressional Budget Office estimated a cost of $13.2 billion over 15 years. But the White House set the cost at at least $15 billion. Another $1.5 billion was added to the bill as it went to the House floor. Watchdog groups put the tab even higher.
Judge stands by water−supply shutdown ruling. A Superior Court judge brushed aside objections from state water officials Wednesday, April 18, and reaffirmed his March decision ordering the California Department of Water Resources to get proper environmental permits or shut down the state water project that delivers up to two−thirds of southern California's water. State officials immediately said they would appeal Judge Frank Roesch's ruling. Regional water officials say reservoirs can sustain southern California for 12 to 18 months if the state water project is shut off. In March, Roesch ruled that state water officials did not properly seek environmental permits −− and gave state officials 60 days to get them or shut the pumping station down. Regional water officials said in March that it would take the state at least a year to get the permits. |
