“This is something that’s very badly needed for the state of California,” Schwarzenegger said at a news conference Wednesday, when he called the package “the most comprehensive in the history of California.”
Schwarzenegger had urged lawmakers into action for the reform effort, calling a special session and threatening to veto hundreds of bills if legislators didn’t make progress on addressing the state’s deteriorating water systems and storage mechanisms that have driven California into worsening droughts in recent years.
But talks stalled for weeks as Republicans and Democratic leaders butted heads.
In the end, the deal earned bipartisan support and was largely a result of Schwarzenegger’s years of pressure for passing reforms, lawmakers said.
Legislative leaders praised the governor for pushing for a set of challenging reforms, which Senate Republican Leader Dennis Hollingsworth (Murrieta) said would be felt for generations.
“They will have you to thank for a safe, reliable and clean water supply,” Hollingsworth said.
The unusual show of gratitude toward Schwarzenegger came from members of both parties, with Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) crediting the governor for his leadership alongside Sen. Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto), who had a hand in crafting the final reform plan.
The bills will help address California’s growing urban and agricultural needs, Hollingsworth said in a statement after the passage of the plan.
“With hundreds of thousands of acres fallow and tens of thousands of unemployed farmers and farm workers, this comprehensive water package represents a step toward getting water flowing and helping people get back to work,” Hollingsworth said.
Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) called the bills “the most significant water infrastructure and policy advances since the State Water Project in the 1960s.”
