Sacramento– Today, Assembly Republican Whip, Devon Mathis (R-Porterville), introduced ACA 13, the Water Infrastructure Funding Act, which would require that two percent of the State’s General Fund revenue be dedicated to water infrastructure and development.
“I am proud to continue to work on this critical measure to bring about a real solution to our State’s perpetual issues with water access and quality,” said Mathis. “It is vital that we have an ongoing funding stream to address the affects of climate change on our failing water infrastructure systems. We’ve made access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water a RIGHT in the State, and we must step up to ensure that promise is met.”
ACA 13, if approved by the voters, would annually set aside two percent of the General Fund in perpetuity until the state has created a minimum of five million acre-feet of annual new water storage. Additionally, it authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to immediately finance the construction of water infrastructure projects.
“The use of one-time funds or bonds to fix our failing water systems simply doesn’t work,” said Mathis. “The permanent funding fix in ACA 13 ensures that California can fix our existing systems, while also diversifying our water portfolio. California cannot simply conserve its way out of future droughts. We need to be proactive and agnostic in our actions to address our current needs, and prepare for future ones. Simply put, we must act now to ensure that access to clean and safe drinking water is a guarantee for all.”
“I am 100 percent in support of this bold ACA which is a blueprint to addresses California’s urgent need to have a reliable and sufficient water supply,” said Steve Sheldon, President of the Orange County Water District.
“This effort needs to be all-encompassing and bipartisan,” said Mathis. “I call upon my legislative colleagues, stakeholders and activists, and all Californians to work with me on perfecting and refining this historic measure. California doesn’t need roadblocks; it needs real solutions to solve our failing water systems.”
