Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger toured the San Luis Reservoir in Merced County.  He noted it’s at only 25-percent of capacity--  a result of drought conditions and the recent shut down of pumps in the Delta.  He says pressure on supplies will only increase—with a growing population. 

 “All the way up to 60 million people by the year 2050. We don’t have enough water.”

In January, Schwarzenegger proposed a nearly six billion dollar plan that included funding for two new dams— that was rejected by Democrats.   Senate President Pro-Tem Don Perata has countered with a bond that would distribute funding to local governments. He says that’s a better way to determine needs. 

 “We could tailor a bond that could provide state money to be leveraged or put together with local money.”

Schwarzenegger is also pushing for restoration of the Delta including a canal to supply Southern California with drinking water.