The bill proposes to create the Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund, which will allocate substantial annual funding of $150 million each for both the Department of Water Resources and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy through the fiscal year 2046-47. These allocations are aimed at supporting capital improvements necessary for restoring the original design water conveyance capacity and improving existing levees. This long-term funding measure reflects an acknowledgment of the dual imperatives of environmental conservation and effective water management amid changing climatic conditions. The fund will also accept not just state resources but federal and private funding as well, ensuring a broader financial base for its endeavors.
Summary
SB872, known as the Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund Act, was introduced by Senator McNerney and aims to address significant challenges posed by land subsidence in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The bill is rooted in the assertion of existing laws regarding the Delta's critical status as a natural resource, recognizing its importance for California's water system and wider ecosystems. This legislation seeks to establish a dedicated fund to finance necessary projects that restore and improve the Delta's levee systems and water conveyance capacities, which have been adversely affected by subsidence and climate change impacts.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB872 appears largely positive among those who prioritize environmental protection and sustainable water management. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards protecting vulnerable communities and maintaining essential water quality standards in the Delta region. However, there may also be concerns regarding the effective use of the allocated funds, especially in terms of transparency and community involvement in decision-making processes related to project funding and implementation.
Contention
One notable point of contention within the bill revolves around the limitations it imposes on how the funds can be used. The bill explicitly prohibits the expenditure of funds on additional Delta conveyance facilities, requiring that maintenance and operational costs for existing facilities fall to the benefiting water agencies. This provision has raised questions about financial responsibility and the extent to which public agencies will bear the burden of repairing damages caused by activities outside their service areas, particularly in light of past groundwater pumping practices that contributed to land subsidence.