Negrete McLeod Applauds Governor's Drought Emergency Declaration

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino) released the following statement shortly after Governor Brown declared a drought emergency for the state of California:

"As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Water Caucus, I applaud the Governor's decision today to begin addressing the pervasive drought that has been impacting California for many years now," explained Negrete McLeod. "It is imperative we begin to have a serious dialogue about drought in California along with a host of other water related issues from infrastructure funding to water conservation policy changes. The time is now to address these issues."

A recent Department of Water Resources survey showed California's snowpack is 20 percent from normal levels. Members of the California Delegation, including Negrete McLeod, have taken necessary steps to address this by supporting the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 which passed the House earlier in the week. The Act includes provisions that would reauthorize the Bureau of Reclamation's Emergency Drought Relief Act to help mitigate drought damage only after a governor issues a drought declaration in the state prior to the Secretary of Interior determining whether assistance is merited.

Earlier this week, Negrete McLeod along with Members of the California Congressional Delegation, urged Governor Brown to issue a declaration of a state of emergency. Governor Brown's declaration now makes California eligible for federal assistance.

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