NOTE: This information
may have been superseded by later news releases. These items are listed
here for archive purposes, only.
| DWR Schedules Meeting on Local Groundwater Assistance Grants On June 2, 2008, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) will convene a Local Groundwater Assistance Grant Program Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) and public meeting in Sacramento. The purpose of the meeting is to present to and consult with the TAP and the public regarding DWR staff rankings of Local Groundwater Assistance grant applications so that the TAP may formulate funding recommendations to DWR. There will also be a public comment period. (05/09/2008)  More...
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| DWR Releases Revised Package for Water Use Efficiency Grants: Public Workshops Scheduled The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released its Revised Draft Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for the 2008 Water Use Efficiency Grant Program. DWR will conduct four public workshops to present information on the 2008 revisions, the application process through the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST), eligibility requirements related to Urban Water Management Planning and AB 1420, and to obtain public comments and input. Any written comments must be received by mail or e-mail by 5 p.m., June 10, 2008, as described in the Revised Draft PSP. (05/08/2008) News Release......
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| Former DWR Director David N. Kennedy Honored at the ACWA Spring Conference DWR Director Snow will join former Governor Wilson, DWR Director Gianelli, Chief Deputy Director Potter, and Joe Countryman in a tribute to Kennedy today at the Association of California Water Agencies Conference in Monterey. Kennedy, DWR Director from 1983-1998, passed away on December 23. In addition to viewing the attached DVD honoring Kennedy, the attached memorial pamphlet was distributed. (05/08/2008) A True Public Servant.. (wmv 79.32 mb)...
Barbara Kennedy... (wmv 7.38 mb) ...
DWR News/People Article... (pdf 1.36 mb)...
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| DWR Releases Integrated Water Resources Information System The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released a new water resources data management tool called the Integrated Water Resources Information System (IWRIS). (05/06/2008) More...
IWRIS Website...
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| DWR May Snow Survey Results The Department of Water Resources (DWR) final snow survey of 2008 indicates snow water content is just 67 percent of normal for the date, statewide. Snow depth and water content have declined since April, when statewide snowpack water content figures were just under 100 percent of normal, despite a dry March (05/01/2008) More...
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| DWR Wins Award for 2007 State Fair Exhibit The Department of Water Resources won first place in a national competition for its 2007 California State Fair Exhibit, "Climate Change and California's Water." (04/30/2008) More...
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| New Boat Launch at Lake Oroville As the water level in Lake Oroville drops this summer and fall, a new launch ramp will be built at Bidwell Canyon so that boating can continue at the popular reservoir 70 miles north of Sacramento. (04/29/2008) More...
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| Public Meeting Announcement - Prop 50 The Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) have scheduled a public meeting to inform interested stakeholders about Proposition 50, Round 2, Step 2, Draft Funding Recommendations. (04/25/2008) More...
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| BDCP Scoping Meeting Notice The Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) will hold a series of public scoping meetings on the environmental impacts of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP). The BDCP is intended to identify actions to improve water supply reliability and ensure the long term sustainability of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. (04/23/2008) More...
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| IRWM Grant Program Workshops The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has scheduled three workshops to inform interested stakeholders about the Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) program as funded by Propositions 84 and 1E. (04/18/2008) More...
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| Water Awareness Month In a year of water challenges and opportunities, California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) observes May as Water Awareness Month, promoting the theme: “Use Water Wisely.” Events will take place throughout the state. (04/17/2008) More...
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| DWR Statement in Response to Federal Salmon Decision The Department of Water Resources today released this statement by Director Lester A. Snow in response to federal Judge Oliver Wanger's decision on salmon. (04/16/2008) More...
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| DWR Sets Final Snow Survey of 2008 Season SACRAMENTO--The fifth and final snow survey of the 2008 winter season by the California Department of Water Resources will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2008, at Phillips Station, Highway 50 and Sierra at Tahoe Road (about 90 miles east of Sacramento) near Lake Tahoe. Monthly measurements are made from January to May to help forecast the amount of spring runoff into reservoirs. On April 15, electronic sensors indicated that water content in the snow pack was 82 percent of normal for the date. (04/15/2008) News Advisory...
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| DWR Releases 2008 Urban Drought Guidebook To help local water agencies and communities prepare for the possibility of a dry year or water supply interruptions, DWR has published an updated version of its Urban Drought Guidebook. DWR staff, in cooperation with the California Urban Water Conservation Council and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, held drought workshops throughout the State last year to solicit input for the guidebook update. (04/09/2008) News Release...
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| Delta Emergency Response Planning Open House The public is invited to participate and provide comment on the development of a proposed Delta emergency response and operation plan. A collaborative effort is underway by the Department of Water Resources, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Delta Protection Commission, the five Delta county emergency services offices, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive Delta emergency response and operation plan. The open house is on Thursday, April 10, 2008, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Courtland Auditorium, 146 Primasing Avenue Courtland, CA 95615 (04/08/2008) Open House notice...
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| California Water Issues Debated in Los Angeles Times Lester Snow, DWR Director and Mindy McIntyre of the Planning and Conservation League will debate the week of April 7 in a forum provided by the Los Angeles Times "Dust Up" Opinion Section. More to follow as they appear in the Times. (04/08/2008) Monday's discussion - California's water crisis...
Tuesday's discussion - Delta Issues...
Wednesday's discussion - Growth in California...
Thursday's discussion - Desalination...
Friday's dicsussion - Water Conservation...
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| DWR Sets Public Workshops for Proposition 84 Grants SACRAMENTO -- The Department of Water Resources has scheduled two informational workshops to address comments and questions about draft guidelines for the Proposition 84 Delta, San Joaquin River and Sacramento River grant program. Proposition 84 is the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006. Under Prop 84, the DWR Bay-Delta Office will administer $130 million in grant funding to improve Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta water quality in accordance with Public Resources Code Section 75029. (04/02/2008) News Release...
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| DWR’s Pyramid Lake Reopens Saturday SACRAMENTO -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) will reopen Pyramid Lake to public recreation use on Saturday, April 5, 2008, following a 45 day shutdown for sediment removal. After drawing down the lake about 23 feet, DWR civil maintenance crews removed 32,000 cubic yards of sediment that had accumulated around the United States Forest Service (USFS) boat dock over a period of 43 years. (04/02/2008) News Advisory...
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| DWR to Fund Rice Farm Project Aimed at Stopping Delta Subsidence SACRAMENTO - The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced plans to fund a rice cultivation project that could stop, or even reverse, sinking land in the Delta. Studies show that rice farming has the potential to stop, and possibly reverse the sinking of land (subsidence) as well as to store carbon as organic matter. Economic benefits to the local area through commercial rice farming will also be part of the evaluation. The project will be made possible via Proposition 84 flood control activity fund (04/01/2008) News Release...
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| Snowpack Normal, but DWR Water Deliveries Limited by Federal Court Ruling The 2008 winter snow survey conducted today by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) indicates that snowpack water content is near normal this year. Despite this fact, the news is not good for water deliveries. Although there has been a return to average snowpack figures, State Water Project (SWP) deliveries remain near record lows because of a federal court ruling restricting Delta pumping to help protect the threatened Delta smelt (03/26/2008) News Release...
Snow Survey video...
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| Border Water Infrastructure Conference The Water Education Foundation is hosting a Border Water Infrastructure Conference, May 28-29 in San Diego. The conference will bring together representatives from the U.S.-Mexican border states, federal officials and local water agencies to address border water infrastructure needs, and evaluate funding needs and potential financing alternatives for new projects as well as for rehabilitating or replacing aging facilities. (03/25/2008) Registration flyer...
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| Delta Emergency Response Planning Workshop The public is invited to participate and provide feedback on the development of a proposed Delta emergency response and operation plan. DWR is working with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Delta Protection Commission, the five Delta county emergency services offices, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive Delta emergency response and operation plan. (03/21/2008) Meeting Notice...
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| DWR Workshop on Delta Conservation Plan EIR/EIS On March 24, 2008, 1:30 p.m. at the Resources Agency Auditorium, DWR will hold a public informational workshop to discuss the scope and timeline of the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan environmental review process, the collaborative efforts involving other agencies and stakeholders, and opportunities for public participation and involvement. (03/20/2008) Meeting notice...
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| DWR Initiates Environmental Review Process for Delta Conservation Plan, Announces Delta Actions SACRAMENTO – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced today immediate actions to implement Gov. Schwarzenegger’s plan for Delta sustainability. DWR will start the public process to study the environmental impacts of a Delta conservation plan including alternative water conveyance, implement new statewide water conservation initiatives, and strengthen emergency response plans for the Delta. “The Delta is a great natural treasure and a vital link in the state’s water system, but it is teetering on the edge of collapse,” said DWR Director Lester A. Snow. “To avert an ecological disaster and ensure reliable water supplies for Californians now and in the future, we must act now.” (03/17/2008) News Release...
BDCP_NOP...
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| DWR Snow Survey March 26 SACRAMENTO--The fourth 2008 winter snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2008, near Lake Tahoe. Monthly measurements are made through May to help forecast the amount of spring runoff into reservoirs. The fourth survey, normally conducted during the last week of March or the first week of April, is generally considered to be the most important in gauging how much water is being held in the Sierra snow pack. (03/17/2008) News Release...
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| U.S. AND MEXICO MEET IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA A Binational Core Group has been created to address joint cooperative actions for the use of Colorado River waters in Mexico and the United States. The group will explore water conservation, shortage management, augmentation and environmental initiatives with binational benefits in the areas of environmental, agricultural and urban water use. (03/13/2008) Press Release...
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| DWR Announces New Delta Pumping Cutbacks The Department of Water Resources begins further reductions today in State Water Project (SWP) pumping to comply with Federal Judge Oliver Wanger's restrictions to protect Delta smelt. "At a time when our water systems would normally be supplying farmers with irrigation water and replenishing local water supplies for the summer months, we are scaling back exports," said DWR Director Lester Snow. "This further underscores the need for action to restore the Delta." (03/13/2008) News Release...
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| CA Water Plan Update 2009 Advisory Committee Meeting, March 20-21, 2008 DWR and CA Water Plan staff are holding the next meeting of the California Water Plan Update 2009 Advisory Committee at the DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento. This meeting is open to the public. (03/11/2008) Agenda...
more info......
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| Director Appears Before Senate Committee Director Lester A. Snow today testified before the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee to present the Governor's plan to address serious problems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. (03/11/2008) Presentation...
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| DWR Announces Public Hearings for Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance SACRAMENTO –The Department of Water Resources Office of Water Use Efficiency and Transfers (DWR-OWUET) will hold public hearings on March 25 and 27 to allow public participation in the update of the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7, Section 490 et seq). (03/10/2008) Link to News Release...
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| Governor Schwarzenegger Outlines Comprehensive Actions Needed in Delta Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sent a letter to Senators Perata, Steinberg and Machado outlining administrative actions under consideration that will protect the Delta estuary. The proposed actions resulted from findings of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force and include water conservation, floodplain protection, and improvements to Delta water conveyance. Governor Schwarzenegger is committed to a transparent negotation with the Legislature and stakeholders to produce a comprehensive solution to the Delta crisis. (02/29/2008) Letter...
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| DWR Announces Snow Survey Results, Limits on Delta Pumping Go in Effect SACRAMENTO – Results of today’s snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) show Sierra snowpack conditions at 118 percent of normal for this time of year. While this would normally be a positive indication that the state’s water supply is in good shape, DWR also announced that it will need to further reduce Delta pumping starting today to comply with a federal court order limiting water exports to southern California, the Bay Area and Central Valley. (02/28/2008) Link to news release...
Snow Survey Video...
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| AB1200 report available The Department of Water Resources and Department of Fish and Game has released a report which summarizes progress on evaluations on potential impacts, improvements, and options for fishery and water supply uses of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta that have been initiated since passage of AB1200. The report also emphasizes the need to continue evaluations into 2008. (02/28/2008) Link to report...
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| Delta Vision Workshop, March 7, 2008 The Water Education Foundation presents a FREE one-day workshop to outline the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force implementation plan and includes a unique opportunity to provide input to key decision makers about the future of the Delta. The workshop is all-day on March 7, 2008 and will be held in Suisun City. (02/25/2008) Workshop Flyer...
Web site...
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| DWR Geotechnical Levee Evaluations Under Way in Sacramento’s Pocket Neighborhood The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is currently conducting geotechnical evaluations of levees in Sacramento’s Pocket-Greenhaven neighborhood. Drillings to collect core soil samples and cone penetration tests (CPT) will be performed over the next three weeks along the east side levees of the Sacramento River from Freeport, south of the Pocket area, to Discovery Park, north of downtown Sacramento. Temporary closures of small sections of the bike path along the river may be necessary during drilling. (02/21/2008) Link to news release...
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| Governor Schwarzenegger Stays Focused on Water Governor Schwarzenegger today met with Senator Feinstein and other legislative leaders to discuss the importance of investing in California's water infrastructure despite the budget crisis. (02/21/2008) Statement...
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| DWR Schedules Third Snow Survey of 2008 Season SACRAMENTO—The season’s third manual snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 28, 2008, near South Lake Tahoe. (02/19/2008) Link to News Release...
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| 2008 Salinity and Drainage Conference March 26, 2008, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, Sacramento. Topics will focus on future plans and current practices related to salt/water management on the Westside of the San Joaquin Valley. Registration is now available for the UC Center for Water Resources'. Registration is free, if registered by March 20. To register or view conference agenda please go to conference website: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/WRCA/WRC/sdp_meetings.html (02/19/2008) Conference website...
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| Public Hearings for Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance The Department of Water Resources (DWR) will hold public hearings on March 25 and 27 to allow public participation in the update of the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. (02/11/2008) More...
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| DWR to Suspend Pyramid Lake Recreation During Repair Project The Department of Water Resources (DWR) will close Pyramid Lake to public recreation use beginning Tuesday, February 19, 2008, until Saturday, April 5, 2008. The closure will affect boat ramps at Emigrant Landing and the Vaquero Day-Use Area, as well as all other day-use and picnic areas. (02/11/2008) News Release...
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| Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Announces Early Implementation Program Projects Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced that his administration is expediting the implementation of $211 million in Proposition 1E funds to four critical levee improvement projects in Northern California. (02/06/2008) Fact Sheet...
Press Release...
Governor's Letter to President...
Picture 1...
Picture 2...
Picture 3...
Video Blog...
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| DWR Increases State Water Project Allocation SACRAMENTO - The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has increased its allocation of 2008 State Water Project (SWP) water for long-term contractors from 25 percent to 35 percent of requests. “We can credit a wetter-than-average January for an impressive increase in our water supplies and snowpack,” said DWR Director Lester Snow. “However, tighter pumping restrictions in the Delta will limit how much of this water we can actually provide to many parts of Southern California, the Central Valley and the Bay Area.” (02/04/2008) News Release text...
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| DWR Announces January 31, 2008 Snow Survey Results Results of the January 31, 2008, snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources off Highway 50 near Echo Summit. (01/31/2008) News Release......
Video......
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| Director Testifies in Washington D.C. on California Water Department of Water Resources Director Lester A. Snow testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Resources, Subcommittee on Power and Water on January 29. He discussed the uncertainties facing California's water supply reliability and the opportunities for action by state and federal government. (01/30/2008) Full Statement...
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| DWR Releases Draft EIR for North Delta Flood Control and Ecosystem Restoration Project The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) for the North Delta Flood Control and Ecosystem Restoration Project. This project will implement flood control improvements principally on and around Staten Island, Dead Horse Island, and McCormack-Williamson Tract in a manner that benefits aquatic and terrestrial habitats, species, and ecological processes. (01/29/2008) News Release......
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| DWR Releases State Water Project Delivery Reliability Report The Draft State Water Project Delivery Reliability Report 2007 is available for public review. This report updates estimates of the current (2007) and future (2027) State Water Project delivery reliability and incorporates the recent federal court ruling for Delta pumping and potential impacts of future climate changes. The deadline for coments is March 13, 2008. Access to the full report and directions for providing comments are available at the SWP Delivery Reliability Report website. (01/28/2008) SWP Delivery Reliability Website...
Report Summary...
Press Release...
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| DWR Releases Draft Proposal Solicitation Package for 2008 Water Use Efficiency Grants The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released its Draft Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for the 2008 Water Use Efficiency Program. This grant program implements Chapter 7(g) of Proposition 50, the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002. Originally a $35.3 million program, the 2008 funding may receive an additional $3 million from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for a total grant fund of $38.3 million. Public workshops scheduled. (01/25/2008) News Release......
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| Truckee River Operating Agreement EIS/EIR Released The Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the U.S. Department of the Interior have released the jointly prepared Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report for the Truckee River Operating Agreement (TROA). A news release with a link to the EIR/EIS is available on the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Web site at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/troa/. DWR’s contact regarding TROA is Michael Cooney at the Division of Planning and Local Assistance, Water Quality Evaluation Section, (916) 651-0746 mikec@water.ca.gov. (01/24/2008) |
| DWR Schedules Second Snow Survey of Season The next manual snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 31, 2008, near Lake Tahoe. (01/22/2008) News Release......
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| California Water Plan Update 2009 draft Assumptions and Estimates Report DWR has released a draft of the A&E Report for the CA Water Plan. The purpose of the A&E Report is to describe significant data and data sources that the Department of Water Resources plans to use to prepare the California Water Plan Update 2009. DWR would like your comments by June 30, 2008 and will use them to improve the data and information that go into Update 2009. (01/18/2008) Draft Report...
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| Governor Breaks Ground for Improved Flood Protection Governor Schwarzenegger, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and Department of Water Resources Director Lester Snow participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking of the Folsom Dam Joint Federal project, which will double flood protection for the Sacramento region. To achieve this, the $683 million project – with $167 million from Proposition 1E – will add a new spillway channel to increase reserve capacity and regulate water flows, all to increase flood protection from 100-year to 200-year levels along the American River. See photos, video and the Governor's Office Press Release. (01/14/2008) Governor's Office Press Release...
Photo 1...
Photo 2...
Video...
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| Strategic Growth Plan 2008 Governor Schwarzenegger released his Strategic Growth Plan for 2008 continuing his commitment to rebuilding California's infrastructure. The Flood Control & Water Supply Conveyance portion of the SGP details the proposed $11.9 billion bond measure that will provide funding for storage and conveyance. (01/14/2008) SGP 2008 - Water...
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| Governor Delivers State of the State Address Governor Schwarzenegger today delivered his fifth State of the State address. The Governor renewed his commitment to an improved water delivery system, the need for new water storage, and restoring the Delta’s ecosystem. A recording of the speech is available online at http://gov.ca.gov/ (01/08/2008) Governor's Home Page...
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| DWR Releases Independent Report A California Challenge – Flooding in the Central Valley, is an independent report written by a panel of national flood experts assembled at DWR’s request. Though the report validates the flood management funding already provided by Governor Schwarzenegger and corrective actions taken by DWR, it finds that the current flood control system needs further improvement. (01/08/2008) View the Report...
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| DWR and the Upper Yuba River Studies Program Release Salmon and Steelhead Habitat Assessment Report Following a Public Information Act request, DWR and the Upper Yuba River Studies Program collaborative effort, supported by the Calfed Ecosystem Restoration Program, released the Upper Yuba River Watershed Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Habitat Assessment Report, November 2007. This document presents the results of data collection, field studies, and modeling conducted by the study team to characterize current habitat conditions in the upper Yuba River watershed and assess whether the available habitat upstream of Englebright Dam is capable of supporting Chinook salmon and steelhead. (01/07/2008) Assessment Report......
Upper Yuba River Studies Program......
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| DWR Announces Snow Survey Results SACRAMENTO – Results of the January 3, 2008, snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources off Highway 50 near Echo Summit. Snow-water content is important in determing to years' water supply. To learn more about snow surveying, please visit the url provided to watch a short video about snow surveys featuring Frank Gehrke, Chief of California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program and Dave Hart, Field Activities Coordinator for Cooperative Snow Surveys Programs. Pictures from the snow survey on Jnauary 3, 2008 at Phillips Station have also been included below. (01/03/2008) News Release......
Link to Video about snow surveys...
Link to pictures from snow survey on 1/3/08 ...
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