06/29/2009 GAAS:342:09 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version |
Governor Schwarzenegger Designates DWR Director Snow Lead Coordinator to Address California’s Drought and Water Management Challenges
Urges Immediate Action to Manage the Dire Effects of California's Water Shortage
Following
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announcing Deputy Secretary David
Hayes as the department's designee on California's water issues,
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced Department of Water
Resources Director Lester Snow will serve as the state's lead in
working with the federal government and coordinating all state actions
to quickly address our water management challenges in both the short
and long term.
"California's water shortage is a real crisis - just as severe as an earthquake or raging wildfire - and it must be treated with the same urgency as any other emergency,"
said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I welcome the Obama administration's
first step in designating a point person to work on this crisis and
coordinate federal efforts with our state efforts. And, to help our
federal partners in quickly taking action, I have appointed Lester Snow
to serve as the state's lead. I remain committed to getting
comprehensive water reform done this year and my Administration will
continue to work with all of our partners to upgrade California's aging
water infrastructure, ensure a clean and reliable water supply and
provide a healthy ecosystem for our growing state."
Earlier this month, Governor Schwarzenegger requested a federal disaster declaration from President Obama for Fresno County and issued Executive Order S-11-09,
activating the California Disaster Assistance Act. By taking this
action, the state can provide temporary supplemental assistance to the
local governments and non-profit organizations that supply food and
other aid to those who are impacted by the drought statewide. The order
also waives the one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance.
In February, the Governor declared a state of emergency due to drought conditions statewide and ordered immediate action to
manage the crisis. In the proclamation, the Governor exerted his
executive authority to direct all state government agencies to utilize
their resources, implement a state emergency plan and provide
assistance for people, communities and businesses impacted by the
drought.
