FRESNO (KMJ) — There’s no question the valley is going through a debilitating drought – but in lieu of clouds there is some hope on the horizon.
That hope is in the form of state cash. Proposition 1 funding is up for the taking and Fresno County Supervisors Brian Pacheco and Henry Perea are hoping the valley gets a share of it.
The pair were behind a vote, approved at Tuesday’s board meeting, that will start the process to form what’s called a JPA, or Joint Powers Authority. That’s what’s needed to apply for some of the almost $2.7 billion Sacramento’s made available.
“We really can’t afford to lose a day in the creation of a Joint Powers Authority”, says Supervisor Perea.
But the next step isn’t going to be easy.
“Getting together all the counties between Merced and Kern County, as well as all the key water agencies involved to form the JPA will put us in the position so that we can compete for and acquire that money and build the water infrastructure projects that we need”.
Continued development of Temperance Flat Dam and improved water storage in Lake Shasta would be the two top priorities. But there are many other areas across the state also looking to get a share of the money.
“If someone doesn’t step forward to take action all of the good efforts that the people of the valley and throughout the state in passing the bond are going to be for nought”, says Supervisor Brian Pacheco. “There’s no secret we’re in direct competition with Sites Reservoir up north. They formed their JPA in 2010, so we’re actually four years behind. We need to get caught up”.
