The governor signed half-a-dozen bills by Democratic lawmakers… One orders the state to develop a Central Valley flood protection plan by 2012.  It also requires a higher level of flood protection for proposed projects in urban areas. The bill’s author is Davis Assemblywoman Lois Wolk. She calls the bill package a balanced plan. 

“It emphasizes good planning, it still allows for new housing but housing that is protected…”

Schwarzenegger also signed a measure that holds local governments potentially liable for flood damage if they approve development in undeveloped flood plains.  Sacramento-area Assemblyman Dave Jones is the bill’s author. He says the goal is better planning.

“Right now cities and counties make decisions about putting new homes and businesses behind levees and floodplains and they have none of the risk of that decision.”

The League of California Cities remained opposed to Jones’ bill, saying it makes local government liable under subjective standards.