Metropolitan General Manager Issues Statement on Governor Newsom’s Emergency Drought Proclamation

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, issues the following statement on today’s emergency drought proclamation by Gov. Gavin Newsom for two counties while ordering a prioritization of available state resources:
“Today’s action by the governor advances a much-needed effort on how to finance water progress in California while managing through the ongoing drought conditions. A window of opportunity appears to be opening at the state and federal levels to fund water infrastructure needs for California and the nation. The governor’s call for his departments to coordinate and recommend actions is a helpful step in the process. As Metropolitan continues its investments in conservation, Southern California communities are seeking to lead the nation in recycling wastewater that now is discharged to the Pacific Ocean – but we will need help. With leadership in Sacramento and Washington, we can take historic steps to build drought-proof water supplies for California.”
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provides water for 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.
Contacts
Rebecca Kimitch, (213) 217-6450; (202) 821-5253, mobile
Maritza Fairfield, (213) 217-6853; (909) 816-7722, mobile