Calif. Agencies Plan Rally for Water Action
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) will hold a major rally May 20 on the steps of the state Capitol to call for "Action on Water Now!" The rally will draw hundreds of local water leaders and stakeholders seeking solutions to the state's severe water supply challenges.
The rally is set for 1:30 p.m. on the east steps of the Capitol. Following a luncheon program at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, ACWA members will march en masse to the Capitol for the rally. Legislators and key stakeholders will address the crowd and help raise the visibility of the water issue. Confirmed speakers include Assembly Members Michael Villines (R-Clovis), Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) and Sen. Dave Cogdill (R-Fresno). ACWA President Glen Peterson and Executive Director Timothy Quinn will speak on the need for comprehensive solutions.
The rally is being held in conjunction with the ACWA 2009 Spring Conference & Exhibition at the Sacramento Convention Center and surrounding hotels May 19-22. Themed "Water Infrastructure 9-1-1," the event is expected to draw close to 2,000 local water officials as well as state and federal water leaders. Topics to be addressed at the conference include:
- "Why Is Infrastructure A Problem?" Opening Breakfast Panel
- "The Impacts of the Water Crisis on California's Economy"
- "Allocating Water During a Shortage"
- "Where Are We Headed on Water Conservation and Efficiency?"
- "Surviving the Endangered Species Act"
More information about the conference and rally is available at www.acwa.com.
ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 450 members are responsible for about 90 percent of the water delivered in California.