$1 billion water spending plan heads to Gov. Jerry Brown
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- A $1 billion water spending plan for drought-stricken California is heading to Gov. Jerry Brown.
The California Assembly on Thursday unanimously voted 74-0 to expedite infrastructure spending and offer some aid to communities hit hard by dry conditions. A companion measure authorizing fines for illegal diversions of water that hurt fish passed with Republicans objecting.
Brown is expected to sign the bills, which he proposed last week with legislative leaders.
Most of the package doesn't address the ongoing drought now in its fourth year.
Nearly two-thirds goes to fund flood-protection projects. Another $267 million could boost water supplies in later years with grants for water recycling and expanding drinking water in small communities.
More immediate spending includes about $75 million to help residents and wildlife affected by the drought.