LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County's two representatives in the state Legislature are moving closer to their goal of getting much-needed funds to go toward restoring Clear Lake, but the funds must now survive final budget votes.
Assemblyman Bill Dodd (D-Napa) and Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) announced Thursday that the state legislature’s Budget Conference Committee included $1 million for Clear Lake in the approved state budget for 2015-16.
Dodd and McGuire have been collaborating since early this year to secure greater investment in environmental protection and restoration of Clear Lake.
In a joint Thursday statement, they said that the funding's approval by the Budget Conference Committee – a joint Assembly and Senate committee – showed that the legislature recognizes the importance of investing in the protection and restoration of Clear Lake.
They said they are now calling on Gov. Jerry Brown to join the Legislature in supporting Clear Lake, which they called “an amazing state resource.”
Dodd, speaking to the Middletown Area Town Hall in April, told community members that he is trying to build “a sense of responsibility for this lake” that extends beyond Lake County's borders, since the issues the lake has need more resources than the county can provide on its own.
Clear Lake as a recreational destination is key to the county's economy. In addition to boating and fishing – it's one of the top bass fishing destinations in the nation – it's also a magnet for birders, kayakers and tourists drawn by its ecological diversity.
If approved by the governor, the $1 million will be used to provide wetland restoration, water quality improvement and to manage invasive species, and also could be leveraged with partners to secure additional state and federal grants in order to address the environmental problems that have arisen in the lake over time.
“Clear Lake is truly the jewel of Lake County and both Assemblymember Dodd and I are committed to securing the resources needed to ensure the Lake, and our local economy, thrives in the years to come. We’re thrilled by the agreement to invest $1 million in Clear Lake, however we realize it’s only the first step. We’ll be working overtime at the state level to ensure the funding is approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor,” McGuire said.
“Clear Lake is a unique state treasure and a cornerstone of Lake County’s economy,” said Dodd. “The environmental quality of the lake has been overlooked for too long. I am glad we’ve elevated this issue and started the long process to provide the support needed to ensure a vibrant lake for generations to come.”
Despite the forward momentum, Dodd's spokesman, Ezrah Chaaban, cautioned that right now the funding is “in a precarious place.”
That's because negotiations between the governor and legislative leaders are still under way, he said.
The 2015-16 state budget is set to move forward to the Senate and Assembly for final approval before the June 15 deadline. Chaaban said the vote could come on Monday.
Even after the vote, Chaaban said there will be more trailer bills that result from negotiations.
If approved, the final budget would head to the governor’s desk for his signature before the final budget is approved by June 30.
Chaaban said that, right down to the wire, there is the possibility of challenges.
He said a representative of the state Department of Finance spoke to the Budget Conference Committee and questioned the funds being allocated for Lake County.
That could play into the governor's final actions. In California, Chaaban explained, the governor can line-item veto – or “blue pencil” – items right up to the point of signing the final budget.
Due to the importance of the funds to the county, officials are encouraging community members who would like to ask the governor to support the funding to call his office at 916-445-2841 or send a message through his Web site, https://govnews.ca.gov/gov39mail/mail.php .
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Dodd and McGuire one step closer to securing $1 million funding for Clear Lake; some obstacles remain
- Elizabeth Larson
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