Wine Country Times

California Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) is creating legislation to help address past and future drought issues by spending more than $2 billion on "strategic, non-controversial waterworks," the LA Times reports. 

"The State Senate, led by @SenToniAtkins, will advance a $2 billion (plus) drought response package coming soon. Focus: Rural/vulnerable communities, homeowners and small businesses, farmers and ranchers, water quality, endangered species protection and water recycling," Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Sacramento) said in a tweet. "All hands on deck effort by @JimWoodAD2, @countymendocino, @CountyofSonoma, @sonomawater and @GavinNewsom along with his administration."

In another tweet by Secretary Wade Crowfoot, Crowfoot thanks Gov. Gavin Newsom for an announcement about statewide drought preparedness at a press conference held at the dried up Lake Mendocino, citing a recent release by the governor. 

"Under a hot, dry sun at Lake Mendocino, @GavinNewsom announced important statewide drought preparedness actions and specific support for Russian River region," Crowfoot tweeted. "Thank you @ilike_mike and @JimWoodAD2 for your leadership on drought and wildfire."

Sen. Mike McGuire also thanked the Attorney General in another tweet saying, "Thank you for your partnership, Secretary @WadeCrowfoot. Through thick and thin, you’re always there for communities in need."

In yet another tweet by McGuire, he said that Lake Mendocino is "the canary in the coal mine when it comes to California's drought," and goes on to say that Gov. Newsom has declared a regional state of emergency for the Russian River watershed area due to drought conditions.

According to the LA Times report, the statewide snowpack, which helps to replenish watershed areas during the winter months, was only at 59% of normal, and California's largest reservoir Shasta Lake was only at 53% full, which is 65% average for April 1. 

The California News-Times reports that Sen. Atkins' plan includes spending the $2 billion on "easy and quick public works projects" to help prepare for, and avoid some of the damages of the drought.

As part of this plan Sen. Atkins is currently working on developing, the state of California would use some of the unexpected federal funds given to the state as part of the C.A.R.E.S package to creating the public works program. 

According to the California News-Times, Senate leaders agree this is a proper way to spend some of the money and will help the state.