Water Leaders Gather to Discuss Historic Legislative Water Package

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - November 16, 2009) - Just weeks after passage of a comprehensive water package in the Legislature, California's water leaders will gather at the Association of California Water Agencies' 2009 Fall Conference & Exhibition Dec. 1-4 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego. Themed "California Water Solutions: Unite to Make It Happen," the conference will examine the package and what it means for California's water future.

Earlier this month, lawmakers passed a historic package of bills that puts California on a new path for its water future. Arguably the most significant legislative package on water in 50 years, the far-reaching bills include policy changes and a long-sought water bond with funding for Delta restoration, new surface and groundwater storage, conservation and recycling.

Conference attendees will hear from a range of groups -- including business leaders, lawmakers, labor, and cities -- on the significance of the policy changes and actions needed to implement them. Key players in this fall's marathon negotiations will share how they reached a package ACWA could support after decades of stalemate at the Capitol.

Sen. Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto) has been invited to speak at a luncheon program on Thursday, Dec. 3, about the three-year effort to develop the water bond measure. Two top water officials, California Department of Water Resources Director Lester Snow and U.S. Department of the Interior Deputy Secretary David Hayes, will discuss their agencies' plans for partnering together to move forward during a breakfast forum on Friday, Dec. 4.

Other programs throughout the week will delve into key topics facing the state, including drought, conservation, the Endangered Species Act, climate change and water quality.

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.

Contact Information: Contact: Jennifer Persike ACWA Director of Strategic Coordination and Public Affairs 916/441-4545 916/296-3981 (cell)