HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES NO 058-08
RESOLUTION NO. 0 5 8 0 8
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD IN SUPPORT OF
GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGAR'S FLOOD
CONTROL AND WATER SUPPLY
ELEMENT OF THE STRA TEGle GROWTH PLAN
WHEREAS, California's population continues to expand, its housing needs are
growing, demands for clean high quality drinking water and the agricultural industry all
require new investment in the state's water supply system, to remedy years of
inadequate planning for California's and the Central Valley's water future; and
WHEREAS, a component of the total water supply for the City of Bakersfield is
derived from Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta ("Delta") supplies delivered through the
State Water Project; and
WHEREAS, new surface storage and conveyance facilities would help ensure
that California's residents and farms have enough water when supplies run low. The
Governor's California Strategic Growth Plan calls for $11.9 billion in general obligation
bonds through 2016 to develop additional surface water storage and conveyance
projects, which would hold and efficiently transport water; and
WHEREAS, more people mean a rising need for clean drinking water.
California's population is expected to grow by as much as 30 percent in the next 20
years, similar to adding three cities the size of Los Angeles. Without planning and
conservation, this growth could mean a need for up to 3.8 million more acre-feet of
water per year by 2030; and
WHEREAS, current climatic trends and models suggest that California may lose
25 percent of its snowpack by 2050. More rapid runoff will require additional surface
storage and a new Delta conveyance facility to prevent flooding and safely move and
capture the water for later use. At the other extreme, climate models also predict longer
and more severe droughts, creating the need for more surface and groundwater storage
capacity; and
WHEREAS, California's surface water storage and Delta conveyance capabilities
must be increased to sustain the Central Valley's economy; and
WHEREAS, the Governor's proposed water plan could increase California's
water storage capability by 500,000 acre-feet per year. Reservoirs are proposed to be
built on the west side of the Sacramento Valley in Colusa County and at Temperance
Flat on the San Joaquin River east of Fresno. The Central Valley dam would provide
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regulation and needed storage for thousands of acres of farming and thousands of
households each year; and
WHEREAS, the Governor's plan helps ensure that farmers have enough water
for their crops. The California State Water Project directly supports a $300 billion share
of the California economy, including the Central Valley's farm production; and
WHEREAS, this year, even with an average snowpack accumulation, many
areas of the state will experience drought-like conditions as a result of a court order that
limits production from the Delta. The addition of surface storage and new Delta
conveyance would help mute the affects of limited Delta exports; and
WHEREAS, Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed $2.4 billion for Delta
sustainability. The Delta provides water to 25 million Californians throughout the state.
The Governor's funding will put a sustainable plan in place to manage the Delta's
resources over the long-term; and
WHEREAS, the Delta is in jeopardy. The Governor's proposed investment will
go a long way to help fix it. Aging levees, new development and seismic risks, paired
with a long-overdue need for new investment in the state's water supply infrastructure
have compromised the Delta's environmental and ecological health. In addition, there is
a high probability of catastrophic flooding to occur within the next 50 years; and
WHEREAS, all of these pressures have compromised the Delta's ability to
provide safe drinking water and maintain a vibrant ecosystem. Scientists agree that
without immediate changes, the Delta will fail as a reliable water source and a healthy
estuary; and
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of
Bakersfield as follows:
1. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by
reference.
2. To support Governor Schwarzeneggar's Strategic Growth Plan elements
for Flood Control and Water Supply and encourage other local communities to support
the Plan.
3. That the City Clerk forward a copy of this Resolution to Governor
Schwarzeneggar and the League of California Cities.
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I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by
the Council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on
AM 2 3 2008 ' by the following vote:
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NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCIL MEMBER CAR~N, BEN~M. WE~O~. HA~ON. SUL~N, SCR~ER
COUNCIL MEMBER t'J"r1tV)
COUNCIL MEMBER f'Uj)\ 0
COUNCIL MEMBER VL""}4. 0 _
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APPROVED APR 2 3 2008
HARVEY L. HALL
Mayor
TO FORM:
By
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