06/19/2009 GAAS:321:09 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version |
Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement Supporting Delta Project to Bring More Water to Californians
Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the Two Gates
Fish Protection Demonstration Project, designed to protect Delta smelt and
increase the reliability of water exports:
"With mandatory
water restrictions and crops lying fallow, it is clear that every Californian
is suffering from our water shortage - and this project will provide
much-needed relief. While I remain committed to getting a comprehensive water
deal done this year, I will aggressively work with local, state and federal
officials toward the speedy approval and completion of the Two Gates project so
that California's bread basket can continue to feed the world."
Under the plan, the U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation would install and operate removable gate structures in two key
locations in the central Delta. The Two Gates Project is designed to provide
the same or better protection for delta smelt and other sensitive aquatic
species at the State Water Project and federal Central Valley Project, while
allowing additional water for use by municipal and agricultural water users
south of the Delta. The gates would be temporary facilities to be removed after
five years.
Today, Governor Schwarzenegger
traveled to Mendota in the Central Valley to view some of the worst affects of
our three-year drought. There, he announced that he has requested a federal disaster declaration from President Obama for Fresno County and issued Executive Order S-11-09,
activating the California Disaster Assistance Act.
