California passes $7.5bn water plan

California has passed a $7.5bn water plan that envisages development of infrastructure in the state in the midst of a drought.

The plan was passed almost unanimously with 77-2 votes in the Assembly and 37-0 in the Senate.

The plan intends to expand water storage capacity and improve groundwater management, increase regional self-reliance, protect and restore important ecosystems in the state, manage and prepare for dry periods, and increase flood protection.

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California general manager Jeffrey Kightlinger said: "The revised water bond recognises the fiscal limitations of California at a time when significant water investments are acutely needed.

"A successful bond would advance a comprehensive California water policy agenda that would help meet the state’s water needs and better prepare us for future droughts that are certain to come."

The Department of Fish and Wildlife plans to restore 10,000 acres of mountain meadow habitat in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges to increase groundwater storage.

Efforts will be made to restore flows to the San Joaquin River from Friant Dam to the confluence of the Merced River.

Groundwater storage will be improved to tap rain and snow that averages at 200 million acre-feet of water a year.

The action plan says: "Together, these actions address the most pressing water issues that California faces while laying the groundwork for a sustainable and resilient future, and are critical to moving the state forward now.

"They reflect an integration of new ideas with the ongoing important work that the state and federal government, local agencies and others are already engaged in and require coordination and collaboration across levels of government."