In response to the dry conditions, Assemblymember Bloom and other key legislators have been holding meetings with various stakeholders over the last few weeks in order to expedite some funding that might help alleviate situation. Late yesterday evening the Assembly, Senate and Governor finally agreed to the $1 billion that will aid current drought efforts as well as augment emergency food assistance, emergency drinking water, and conservation actions.
Specifically, these funds would be used to address the impacts of the drought in the following ways:
- Emergency drinking water
- Food assistance for 29 counties most impacted by the drought
- Assessment of current surface and groundwater conditions and expedited water transfers
- Drought response coordination
- Water use efficiency grants for agricultural and urban water users
- Emergency water supply and education
- Water recycling and desalination efforts
- Critical operations to protect fish and wildlife
- Technical assistance for small and disadvantaged communities with drinking water needs – including a dedicated unit at the State Board to focus on disadvantaged communities
