[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 147 (Tuesday, November 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2293-E2294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             ACWA BLUEPRINT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 8, 2005

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, this year the water districts of my 
State worked together to create a water planning document to address my 
State's core water infrastructure needs for decades into the future.
  This document, released by the Association of California Water 
Agencies (ACWA), is called, ``No Time to Waste: A Blueprint for 
California's Water.'' It lays out a diverse mix of actions and 
investments designed to help California meet its water supply needs in 
the coming decades.
  The ACWA Blueprint is intended to serve as a roadmap for State and 
Federal leaders to follow to ensure that California has the water 
supply system it will need to support people, Jobs and ecosystems in 
the future.
  It breaks down into 12 recommendations for each region of the State. 
These include investments to improve water supplies, water use 
efficiency, water quality and environmental health. The recommended 
actions are designed to address short and long-term statewide water 
needs, complement and build on local efforts, and promote integrated 
regional water management plans that will play a critical role in 
California's future.


                key recommendations in acwa's blueprint

  Improve the existing Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta water 
conveyance system to increase flexibility and enhance water supply, 
water quality, levee stability and environmental protection in the near 
term.
  Evaluate long-term threats to the Delta levee and conveyance system 
and pursue actions to reduce risks to the state's water supply and the 
environment.
  Ensure delivery of adequate Colorado River supplies for Southern 
California and defend California's rights on the Colorado River.
  Implement and fund the Sacramento Valley Water Management Program.
  Develop additional groundwater and surface water storage, including 
proposed surface storage projects now under study if they are 
determined to be feasible.
  Support and fund local efforts to expand recycled water use and 
implement best management practices for urban and agricultural water 
use efficiency.
  Improve the quality of California's drinking water supplies to 
safeguard public health and enhance water quality for agriculture and 
the environment.
  Work with local agencies to overcome constraints to developing 
seawater and brackish groundwater desalination.
  Modernize the Federal Endangered Species Act and other laws and 
regulations to allow water infrastructure projects, water supply and 
water quality activities to proceed while protecting species and 
habitats.
  Expedite the approval process for voluntary water transfers.
  Clarify and expand the State's role in flood control and promote 
multi-benefit flood control projects.
  Support integrated regional water management plans.
  Mr. Speaker, this document represents the first time California water 
users have produced something this comprehensive, based around a 
consensus approach and done under their own initiative. Water will be a 
central resource challenge confronting economic growth and 
environmental sustainability in California and the West. As the House 
Water and Power Subcommittee completes its agenda for 2005 and sets new 
objectives for 2006, I commend to interested observers ACWA's ``No Time 
to Waste: A Blueprint for California's Water''.

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