On Wednesday, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 200, authored by Senator Bill Monning (D-Monterey), which establishes the program by which the monies ($130 million) included in the recently enacted State Budget would be expended.
Among the provisions of particular importance to rural California’s disadvantaged communities is the authority to fund operation and maintenance for drinking water facilities to meet current standards. In addition, SB 200 will underwrite consolidation costs for public waters, community waters systems, and state small water systems into more efficient purveyors of drinking water. SB 200 also directs the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to consult with relevant stakeholders to identify and prioritize aquifers at highest risk of containing contaminants and/or exceed safe drinking water standards. In combination, the provisions of SB 200 make great strides in meeting the drinking water needs of California’s most vulnerable communities.
RCRC has been working with Senator Monning and a variety of stakeholders for the past three years in an effort to address these critical drinking water needs in disadvantaged communities. RCRC appreciates the Governor’s signature on this priority measure.