What's in Perata's Bill--"The Safe Drinking Water Act of 2008"--A $6.8 Billion Bond That Will Probably Be on the California Ball

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Roger Patterson of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California shares a light moment with Senate President pro Tem Don Perata at press conference of supporters of Perata's water bond measure

By Frank D. Russo

In the special session yesterday, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water passed on a 5-1 party line vote
SBX2 2 (Perata), which would place a $6.8 billion bond measure on the February 5, 2008 ballot to provide funds for water supply reliability, delta sustainability, conservation and pollution cleanup, protection against invasive species, groundwater protection and water quality, and water recycling.

It would be known as "The Safe Drinking Water Act of 2008."

It goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee this morning and could be voted on by the entire Senate as early as today. Perata is not optimistic that it will be able to get the support of two-thirds of the Senate, which is required. He needs the votes of two Republican Senators to get to this number. Even if he does, the bill faces tough sledding in the Assembly.

This 22 page bill has been worked out over months of negotiations with water experts and has the support of a number of diverse organizations. In a press conference before the committee hearing, Senator Perata noted that this may be the first time that Friends of the River and the Metropolitan Water District have appeared on the same stage.

So, at yesterday's press conference, Perata stated that "This bill has been vetted" and that he would recommend that "these folks," referring to those present with him on the stage, place the provisions of the bill on the ballot by petition if the legislature fails to pass it. If placed on the ballot by gathering signatures, rather than by the legislature, it would most likely be on the November, 2008 Presidential Election ballot because of deadlines and the process for doing so.

Here are the key provisions.

Water supply reliability: $2 billion