Governor Jerry Brown paid a visit to OCWD on Oct. 28. Dignitaries of both parties from all over Southern California, including Senate Pro Tempore Kevin de León and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, came to hear him speak about Propositions 1. Nearly 350 guests attended.

The Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Act of 2014 (Proposition 1; Water Bond) was approved by voters on November 4 and will allocate $7.54 billion towards statewide water projects and programs as part of a comprehensive water plan for the state of California. It will provide targeted funding for new surface and groundwater storage projects, regional water reliability, sustainable groundwater management and cleanup, water recycling, ocean desalination, water conservation, watershed protection, and safe drinking water, particularly for disadvantaged communities.

The 2.4 million people who live within the 21 cities and special areas of the Orange County Water District stand to gain from this passage. As part of its long-term view and regional perspective on water reliability planning, with a five- to 20-year planning horizon, the District has identified and studied numerous projects to help sustain water supplies for Orange County.

Of the 17 capital improvement projects in the works, the following projects may be eligible for significant funding under Proposition 1:

• Final expansion of the Groundwater Replenishment System
• Groundwater cleanup projects
• Increase water storage behind Prado Dam
• Mid-basin injection project