(Sutter Creek) Amador Water Agency Directors voted on April 17 to oppose a bill moving through the state legislature that proposes Wild and Scenic designation for the Mokelumne River, the primary source of drinking water for Amador County.
Sen. Loni Hancock (D-Oakland) introduced the legislation, Senate Bill 1199, on April 3, that would designate 37 miles of the North Fork and main Mokelumne River a State Wild and Scenic River. The bill’s proponents say Wild and Scenic River designation will ensure that all current uses of the river between Salt Springs Dam and Pardee Reservoir continue while protecting its free-flowing segments from new dams.
AWA Directors, staff and Agency counsel all expressed concern at last Thursday’s special meeting about the bill’s potential to adversely affect Amador County’s future water supply. Of greatest concern to the Agency are a request pending with the state to increase the Agency’s water diversion for the upcountry CAWP system, and long-range plans to raise the dam at Lower Bear River Reservoir for additional storage capacity.
Directors also expressed disappointment that Senator Hancock did not consult with AWA before introducing the bill, and that the Agency was forced to consider possible ramifications of the legislation on very short notice.
“This is a very serious issue that affects the future of Amador County,” said Director Rich Farrington.
Whether to flatly oppose the bill, or to oppose the bill and then attempt to lobby the bill’s sponsors to consider addressing AWA issues was discussed at length.
“This bill may get through the legislative process, with or without our input,” said Board President Art Toy. “I think we want the opportunity to provide that input if we can.”
The final vote of 4 – 1 approved a letter of opposition to the sponsors of SB 1199 and directed staff and a Board committee of Directors Toy and Farrington to meet immediately to explore whether there are amendments to the bill that address the Agency’s water supply concerns. Director Gary Thomas opposed the bill, but voted against the motion, saying there wasn’t enough time to provide input. Proposed amendments would be considered by the full board before being presented to Senator Hancock.
The next move for SB 1199 is to move through the Senate committee process. The bill must receive approval from the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water, which could take place as early as April 29.
AWA Directors also approved retaining the services of the lobbying and consulting firm of The Gualco Group, Inc. to advance the Agency’s position with legislators, and assist AWA with testimony at legislative hearings.
