FENIT NIRAPPIL
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Despite its size, the $7.5 billion water plan on the November ballot will not solve the problems created by the drought nor is it expected to prevent rationing during future droughts.
Instead, the projects it will fund are designed to provide a greater cushion when the state finds itself dealing with prolonged water shortages in the decades ahead.
Gov. Jerry Brown and state lawmakers used the backdrop of California’s most severe drought in nearly four decades to put the measure on the ballot earlier this week.
Still, Democratic Sen. Kevin de Leon of Los Angeles says it will not be a panacea for solving all of California’s water problems.
Many projects that will be funded through the measure are years away from providing any benefits, including two new reservoirs.
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