California plans ahead

In 1960 the California State Water Project (SWP) provided $1.75 billion to build California's current water infrastructure. Today the SWP provides drinking water for 23 million Californians and irrigation for 750,000 acres of agricultural land. Little has been done since that time, when California's population was less than half of what it is today, to expand the state's water supply. In addition, the state's levee system has not been updated in decades leading to flooding in recent years. The Governor's Strategic Growth Plan will increase California's water supply to serve 8.5 million more people, support the agricultural industry and double the amount of flood protection in the Sacramento region.

To fund and protect this investment, the Governor's Strategic Growth Plan includes:

$9 billion in general obligation bonds to be issued in two installments, one $3 billion installment in 2006 and $6 billion in 2010.

$26 billion in non-state funding resources.

Establishing a Water Resources Investment Fund for additional water management efforts.

Implementing legislation to reform flood management and the financing of flood control improvements and to allow flood management projects to proceed more quickly.