Dog Dems Support Two New Dams!
The members of “Reservoir Dog Democrats” is growing – quickly.
A dog is a man’s best friend.
For GOP lawmakers in Sacramento, they must now feel that the Reservoir Dogs Democrats are their best friends, especially when it comes to water solutions for this troubled state.
Yesterday I spoke with Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-16th) about the possibilities that numerous members of the Latino Caucus who are supportive of water storage solutions, (now labeled Reservoir Dog Democrats by your friendly neighborhood talk host), are ready to help the Republicans draft a water bond that can satisfy the state’s water needs beyond the ridiculous conservation measures that fall short over the long haul.
The “water deal” includes TWO new dams and a favorite of mine, a water desalination plant for San Diego.
As you listen to the audio provided by HOGUE NEWS (below), you might be surprised to find out that there are many Democrats – primarily Latino Democrats – who are standing on the ‘build a dam thing’ side of the water argument.
As I stated in an early post: “Reservoir Dog Democrats”; the GOP needs to serenade these dogs and put together a bill-bond that saves the state from parched peril.
State Senator Florez informed me that there is the workings of a $15.5 billion water bond resting on the table – right now. And there are a majority of Republicans, with a good number (read here; growing number) of Democrats who are beginning to agree to its terms for TWO new “dams”, and an Israel-styled desalinization plant for San Diego.
The breakout looks as such; $12 billion for underground storage, and nearly $3 billion for above ground storage. The Desal-Plant will cost between $250 and $400 million to complete.
I pressed the Senator on more dams for the north, and more desal-plants for the south – he agreed.
I referenced Isreal’s Ashkelon Desalination Plant; it provides reverse-osmosis water for over 450,000 people and only cost $212 million to build. He mentioned a desal-plant for San Diego, already included.
The Ashkelon seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plant is the largest in the world. Ashkelon achieved two notable successes in 2006; In March it was voted ‘Desalination Plant of the Year’ in the Global Water Awards, subsequently passing a major project milestone in October 2006, when, little more than a year after it commenced initial production, it successfully delivered its first 100 million m³ of water.
With a capacity of 330,000m³ per day, the plant produces around 13% of the country’s domestic consumer demand – equivalent to 5–6% of Israel’s total water needs – at one of the world’s lowest ever prices for desalinated water.
For Southern California, the “desal-plants” are way of the future. The north can keep “their” water, and the south can harvest “their own” from the surrounding ocean.
I also asked the leading Democrat if he would support ‘public/private partnerships’in building and operating the dams and desal-plants. On record, Senator Florez said that he, and the Latino Caucus is very supportive of these build-outs being a public/private partnership that creates jobs and supports the common economical infrastructure.
There are some concerns here:
The Reservoir Dogs are still supporting a Delta alternative conveyance. For many conservative Republicans, this is a non-starter and it may pose to be a dam of its own merit in negotiations.
Plus, the water bonds must be paid for with revenue bonds and no environmental, Sierra Club nut-case pork projects or additional spending.
Here is the interview I had with the Fresno Senator. Take from it what you will, eat the meat and leave the bones – like good dogs do. I will say this, the Republicans have an opportunity to play a pivotal role in solving the water crisis of California’s heartland, and to engage a moderate caucus that might be of help down the road as it relates to future elections and redistricting.
Today we welcome the “Reservoir Dog Democrats” to the table, can we get you a glass of water?
Look at what has had to happen for many in California Government to walk into the light. Since the early 1980s Conservatives have been screaming from the Mountain Tops to build these Damns.
It was not until Latinos were directly affected by the cut off of water to farms where many work, long lines at Food Banks and huge loss of jobs to make a solid argument to these new comers (Dogs) that these Dams should be built.
Maybe these Latinos are more concerned about the depletion of American Dollars flowing into Mexico from these Central Valley Jobs then they are for the well being of the State of California? Is this what it takes to have any pro-active form of Government?
Here is another News Flash. Our Economy is driven by energy. Maybe these Folks who are finally walking into the light of hard cold reality will vote for some additional Refineries? Drilling? Nuke power?
I said years ago that water will be the next commodity on par with Oil. Now my bi-monthly water Bill has went from $40.00 to $120.00 and how about that ever inflating SMUD Bill? So I am grateful to the elected Latinos for finally showing up to the party. All the Cokes, Hotdogs and Chips have already been eaten. The BBQ is cold and the light of day is all but gone. Guess it is better late then never.
Off the subject: Anyone hear Gov. Arnold has endorsed the Obama (Control the Masses) Health Care Plan? Oh, that will be an economic Boost for California as we flip the Bill for Harry Reids State of Nevada that has pulled some exemptions of H/C costs in the latest Health Care Bill.
What a mess.
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