Contact Information: Contact: Jennifer Persike ACWA Director of Strategic Coordination and Public Affairs 916/441-4545 916/296-3981 (cell)
ACWA Statement at "March for Water" Rally
Executive Director Calls for Solutions to Address Extreme Water Challenges
| Source: Association of California Water Agencies
LOS BAÑOS, CA--(Marketwire - April 17, 2009) - Association of California Water Agencies
(ACWA) Executive Director Timothy Quinn joined state, federal and local
elected officials today at a major rally sponsored by the California Latino
Water Coalition. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other speakers discussed
the urgent need for solutions to the state's severe water challenges.
The rally drew an estimated 3,000 people to San Luis Reservoir near Los
Baños and marked the end of the four-day "March for Water." The march,
which started Tuesday in Mendota, was aimed at raising the visibility of
water shortages and their impacts on the Central Valley.
Addressing the crowd, Quinn said valley residents are feeling the brunt of
water shortages triggered by drought and environmental problems. "You are
at ground zero, but you are not alone. The entire state is experiencing
serious water challenges. We need solutions now."
Noting that the march highlighted "the human face of the misery evoked by
water shortages," Quinn said 2009 will be extremely challenging for many
water agencies this year. "But there is no greater challenge than the one
facing agricultural agencies south of the Delta that stand to receive a
fraction of their water at best. Communities, farm workers and growers are
seeing their livelihoods come to a standstill this year because of water
shortages. That should be a wakeup call for the entire state that we need
long-term solutions."
Quinn applauded Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's announcement earlier this
week that $260 million will be invested in California's water
infrastructure as part of the economic stimulus package approved by
Congress, but emphasized that it is a partial down payment on a much bigger
problem.
"Even more important than the money," Quinn said, "is the promise of a
meaningful partnership between the state and federal governments to solve
the bigger water crisis in California. There is no time to delay. We need
solutions now."
ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 450 members are
responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more
information, visit www.acwa.com.