Watch CBS News

Gov. Brown Signs Bill Authorizing $1 Billion In Drought-Related Spending

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Jerry Brown has approved a plan injecting $1 billion of water spending into California as it grapples with a historic drought.

Brown signed legislation Friday that will offer aid to residents hurt by the drought and expedite spending on water infrastructure. Most of the plan funds projects with future dry years in mind rather than the current drought.

The Democratic governor says the funding is just one part of a much larger effort to prepare for "an uncertain future."

Nearly two-thirds of the package goes to flood protection construction to prevent mudslides and sudden storms from overtaking communities. It also will fund grants for water recycling and drinking water for small and poor cities, and to help food banks and wildlife.

The bills are AB91 and AB92.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.