Bill to help form basin water district passes legislature
A state bill to help form the Paso Robles Basin Water District has cleared both the California Senate and Assembly and now awaits the governor’s signature. AB 2453 passed the Assembly yesterday.
The final version of the bill allows a petition to create the district be filed with the Local Agency Formation Commission if 10 percent of the landowners sign the petition. Formation of a district would require a vote of the majority of landowners, 50 percent plus one, based on vote for each landowner.
The proposal for the district calls for nine directors: three to be elected by registered voters, two to be elected by landowners with less than 40 acres, two to be elected by landowners with 40 to 400 acres, and two to be elected by landowners with 400 acres or more.
Passage was urged by the San Luis Obispo County Supervisors, the Paso Robles City Council, and two stakeholder groups, the Paso Robles Agricultural Alliance for Groundwater Solutions, known as PRAAGS, and PRO Water Equity, who both represent landowners and residents.
The hybrid board for a proposed Paso Robles Basin Water District is the heart of AB 2453. It was well received in Sacramento, with legislators recognizing that its unique structure gives everyone a voice, but prevents control of the board by any individual or group.
“PRO Water Equity would like to thank Assembly Member Katcho Achadjian for authoring AB 2453 and for his perseverance while ushering it through the legislative process,” said Sue Luft, president of PRO Water Equity. “We would also like to thank Senator Bill Monning for his support of AB 2453 in the Senate, and those in the community who have continued to stand behind this effort.”
“We believe that AB 2453 represents true compromise and shows what can be accomplished when members of a local community work together. We are encouraged and hope that this is the beginning of establishing management of the Basin so that is sustainable into the future,” Luft said.
Jerry Reaugh, chairman of PRAAGS, issued a similar statement. “This groundbreaking legislation will allow for local control of the Paso Basin as the state continues its move to regulate groundwater for the first time in its history,” he said. “This bill also offers the chance for locally initiated supplemental water and conservation projects to come into existence in an effort to balance the Basin. Importantly, it validates the concept of a hybrid governance structure where all stakeholders can be represented on the district board.
“PRAAGS sincerely appreciates the efforts of our County Supervisors who supported the Bill. We are indebted to Assembly member Katcho Achadjian and our State Senator, Bill Monning and their staffs for their hard work in getting this bill through the legislature.”
“In the months ahead, we look forward to working with our local officials and many in our community as we all come together to take the next step in providing local control of our groundwater.”
Read related story:
Water basin groups reveal proposed district map
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