Information Services - 2006 News Archive


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	2006 News Announcements NOTE: This information may have been superseded by later news releases. These items are listed here for archive purposes, only. Energy related items are highlighted in red. 2005 Flood News Summary 2006 Flood News Summary DWR Extends Deadline for Prop 50 Water Use Efficiency Grant Solicitation Submissions -- The Department of Water Resources has extended its deadline for submission of the 2007 Proposition 50 Water Use Efficiency Proposal Solicitation Package Step 1 Concept Proposals to Friday, January 5, 2007. The original deadline was December 22, 2006. (12/21/06) News Release... DWR Certifies South Delta Improvements Program Environmental Impact Report -- Department of Water Resources (DWR), in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, today certified the South Delta Improvements Program (SDIP) Final Environmental Impact Report. Release of the report certifies environmental assessments, but until a biological opinion is rendered under the federal Endangered Species Act, no action will be taken to construct the facilities.(12/15/06) News Release... DWR Presents FloodSAFE California -- DWR is developing a strategic initiative called FloodSAFE California that is intended to reduce flood risks. Preliminary concepts have been shared with stakeholders, and DWR is soliciting comments and recommendations on this plan.(12/15/06) Flood Issues web site... DWR today announced the on-time completion of repairs to final four sites on original emergency repair list. -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced on-time completion of emergency repairs to the final four erosion sites on the original Emergency Repair Project list. Twenty-nine sites in the Central Valley flood control system were identified last spring, after Governor Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for California's flood protection system. Work on the first 29 sites was completed on November 1. The four erosion sites finished today were added to the project list in August, bringing the original critical erosion site list to 33. DWR was responsible for repairs at 22 of the sites and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers led the repair work at 11 sites. (11/30/06) Levee Repair Website... Construction Status... DWR Announces Initial 2007 State Water Project Allocation -- The Department of Water Resources has announced its initial allocation for water delivery to the State Water Project (SWP) Contractors in calendar year 2007. (11/30/06) Press Release... DWR today announced the on-time completion of repairs to 29 critical levee erosion sites. (11/01/06) News Release... Video... Vista del Lago to Reopen After Long Shutdown -- After a 19-month closure because of rain-caused landslides, DWR's popular Vista del Lago Visitors Center is scheduled to reopen at Lake Pyramid November 1. (10/24/06) Advisory... Video... Video Script... Gov. Schwarzenegger Highlights Completed Levee Repairs, Presses Federal Government for Reimbursement for Work on Federal Levees -- Last Friday, Governor Schwarzenegger highlighted the nearing November 1st completion of repairs to the critical levee erosion sites. His announcement before the media was made during a visit to a critical erosion site near the City of Colusa and again later in the day near three repair sites near the City of Rio Vista. (10/23/06) press release... DWR Releases Draft Proposal Solicitation Package for 2007 Water Use Efficiency Grants: Public Workshops Scheduled -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released a Draft Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for the 2007 Water Use Efficiency Program. This $35.3 million grant program implements Chapter 7(g) of Proposition 50, the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002. (10/19/06) more... Draft Salton Sea Restoration Report Released: California Resources Agency Announces Alternatives, Launches 90 Day Public Comment Period on Long-Term Future of California’s Largest Lake -- The Resources Agency today released its Salton Sea ecosystem report and the draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Report. The report contains eight alternatives and a no-action alternative to restore the Salton Sea as a long-term wildlife habitat. The release begins a 90 day public comment period on the plans during which the state and other interested parties will work to build consensus on a preferred alternative that will be submitted to the Legislature. For more information and to view the reports, please visit the Salton Sea Restoration web site. (10/19/06) more... DWR on Schedule to Repair Critical Erosion Sites: Completion of Work Ahead of Flood Season Will Safeguard People and Property -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced completion of structural repairs to 12 critical levee sites in the Central Valley flood control system. Repairs to the remaining 17 original erosion sites are on schedule to be finished by November 1, ahead of this year’s flood season. (10/17/06) more... Radio Address Highlights Flood Protection Activities -- DWR Director Lester Snow delivered the Governor's weekly radio address, focusing on flood protection. (10/10/06) press release... Delta Vision Workshop in Los Angeles, November 8, 2006 -- Please register to guarantee a seat and complimentary box lunch; seating is limited. A secure electronic registration form is available at the Water Education Foundation web site: http://www.watereducation.org/deltavisionworkshops.asp, or see the flyer announcing the workshop. The registration form can also be faxed. (10/03/06) flyer... DWR to Hold Two Public Workshops This Week To Inform Local Communities of Four Sites Added to Critical Repair List -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has scheduled two public workshops this week in West Sacramento and Chico to discuss emergency levee erosion repair work on four new sites on the Sacramento River Flood Control System.(10/02/06) more... Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation, Executive Order to Develop Strategic Vision for Delta -- In conjunction with the signing of SB 1574 by Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica), Governor Schwarzenegger signed an executive order to develop a Delta Vision to provide a sustainable management program for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta, a unique natural resource of local, state and national significance. For details, see the Governor’s Office press release and full text of Executive Order S-17-06. (09/29/06) more… DWR Announces: New Water Year on Tap -- The calendar year begins in January, and the fiscal year begins in July, but hydrologists have determined nature needs her own schedule. Each new water year begins October 1 to coincide with the start of the rainy season and runs through September 30. (09/29/06) more... DWR Announces $21.5 Million in Desalination Grants -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is awarding $21.5 million in Proposition 50 grants to 24 water desalination projects. The funds will be used by local agencies, water districts, academic and research institutions for construction, demonstration projects, research and development, and feasibility studies to increase the development of new water supplies using water desalination technologies. (09/22/06) more... DWR and Other Agencies Post Delta Risk Management Strategy Papers: Public Comment Sought -- the Department of Water Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Fish and Game, and the California Bay-Delta Authority have posted on the Delta Risk Management Strategy (DRMS) Web site various topical Initial Technical Framework (ITF) papers. (09/15/06) more... DWR to Co-host Floodplain Mapping Workshops -- DWR, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will co-host two Floodplain Mapping and Map Modernization workshops for public works officials, levee district managers and floodplain administrators. (09/14/06) more... State Officials to Discuss Role In San Joaquin River Restoration Briefing at 1:00 p.m. Today -- Reporters will be briefed by phone on the State of California’s role in restoration of a 153-mile stretch of the San Joaquin River following today’s restoration settlement announcement by the Bureau of Reclamation, Natural Resources Defense Council and Friant Water Users Authority. (09/13/06) DWR News Advisory... U.S. Bureau News Release... Fact Sheet... Final MOU... Settlement... Cost Fact Sheet... Congressional Testimony... DWR to Draw Down Castaic Lake and Elderberry Forebay -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has begun lowering the surface level of Castaic Lake and Elderberry Forebay to facilitate needed repair and refurbishment work. (09/11/06) more... USBR Announces CAST Event: On Saturday, September 9th, DWR’s San Joaquin District and PAO staff will participate in the 6th Annual Catch A Special Thrill (C.A.S.T.) for Kids event at Millerton Lake. (09/07/06) more... Deputy Director Les Harder today testified before Congress on the importance of federal funding for Delta levees. (09/07/06) Testimony... Presentation June 2006 Delta Vision Conference Summary: a detailed summary of the June 2006 Delta Vision Conference is available from the Water Education Foundation. (09/07/06) more... DWR Announces Catch a Special Thrill for Kids Event at Lake Oroville: The Department of Water Resources (DWR), in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW), the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the CAST for Kids Foundation will sponsor a CAST (Catch A Special Thrill) for Kids event on Saturday, September 9 at Lake Oroville. (09/05/06) more... DWR Co-Sponsors Floodplain Management Association Conference: The Department of Water Resources (DWR) will again co-sponsor the Floodplain Management Association (FMA) Annual Conference, scheduled for September 5-8, at the Coronado Marriott in Coronado, California.(08/31/06) more... FMA website In Memoriam -- Dr. Randall Brown: Randy Brown, CALFED Science Advisor and retired DWR Environmental Services Chief, dies after distinguished career. (08/29/06) CalFed Obituary... Sacramento Bee Obituary... Bulletin 250 – 2005: Fish Passage Improvement is now available: Bulletin 250: Fish Passage Improvement is a joint interagency document. It identifies man-made structures in the watersheds of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and their tributaries, and describes how structures impede fish migration and what is being done about them. (08/22/06) more... report... "Water -- California's Superhero" a hit at State Fair: as part of this year's state fair theme, "Superstars and Superheros," DWR is sponsoring in Building #4 an interactive exhibit highlighting many aspects of California water. The exhibit features the CA Conservation Corps, who help protect communities and infrastructure during flood emergencies. A lively music video demonstrates the CCC in action during flood incidents. (08/18/06) photographs... CCC music video... DWR State Fair Exhibit Honors Water Superstars and Superheroes: in keeping with the California State Fair's theme, "Superstars and Superheroes," the Department of Water Resources (DWR) exhibition at this year's Fair features many of the men and women who were heroes for shaping water management and development in California.(08/17/06) more... DWR Co-Sponsoring Symposium: Securing Clean and Affordable Water: DWR, in conjunction with State Water Resources Control Board, Department of Health Services and the California Public Utilities Commission is cosponsoring the September 12 Symposium in Oakland to address impacts on privately owned utilities. (08/16/06) more... symposium site... Jay Punia Named General Manager of California Reclamation Board: Jay Punia, the Department of Water Resources’ point man in fighting California floods, today was named General Manager of The Reclamation Board, the state agency overseeing Central Valley flood control projects.(08/11/06) more... DWR Exhibit at California State Fair Showcases the Wonders of Water: “Water - California’s Superhero” is the theme of a major new exhibit at this year’s California State Fair. The exhibit celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Department of Water Resources and the important role of water in California’s development. (08/07/06) more... State To Ensure That Levees Will Be Fixed: Pressure Will Be Kept on Federal Government for Levee Repair: DWR Director Lester Snow to hold Media Availability Conference Call, 3:00 p.m. TODAY, July 27th, 916-651-7893 -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today reconfirmed the state’s commitment to repair critical levees and keep Californians safe as new levee erosion sites were identified. more... Hetch Hetchy Study Released -- DWR and State Parks Department today released the Hetch Hetchy Restoration Study. The report is an objective review of many complex issues associated with the restoration of Hetch Hetchy Valley. Report...(PDF 12 MB) Press Release... Governor Visits Levee Construction Site -- Governor Schwarzenegger toured one of DWR's levee repair construction sites on the Sacramento River, between the cities of Woodland and Knights Landing. (07/12/06) Summary... Story on Video... DWR Report Looks at Climate Change Impact on Water Resources – DWR has released “Progress on Incorporating Climate Change into Management of California’s Water Resources,” a technical report that offers a first look at changes that may affect California’s water resources in the future. (07/10/06) more... DWR To Hold Public Workshop in City of Colusa on Emergency Levee Repair -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) will hold the final of six public workshop meetings on emergency levee repairs in the Sacramento River Flood Control System. This meeting will focus on levee repairs in the Colusa region.(07/05/06) more... DWR Has Released the Final 2005 SWP Delivery Reliability Report -- This report provides information on the delivery reliability of the SWP now and 20 years into the future. A draft report was reviewed by the public. The final report has been modified accordingly and includes an appendix containing the public comment letters and the associated responses. You may request the report as a hard copy by contacting Jane Schafer-Kramer at (916) 653-1099 or kramerj@water.ca.gov. (06/29/06) Report... Levee Repair Activities Begin -- Federal, state, and local agencies are conducting public meetings to inform the public of levee repair activities underway throughout the Sacramento Valley. Recently, Pocket Area residents were informed of plans for levee repair in their area. (06/28/06) Levees Repair Website... Meeting Video... Governor’s Leadership Secures Permits for DWR Critical Levee Site Repair -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced it has all necessary environmental permits and regulatory approvals to repair 29 critical levee erosion sites. more... DWR To Hold Public Workshop in West Sacramento on Emergency Levee Repairs - The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) will hold the fifth of six public workshop meetings on emergency levee repairs in the Sacramento area June 27, 2006 at 6 p.m. (06/26/06) more... DWR 50th Anniversary Polo Shirts for Sale -- As DWR continues to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, the Public Affairs Office is offering commemorative 50th Anniversary polo shirts for sale through August 14, 2006, as seen worn by the Public Affairs staff at the May 31st special anniversary event. Sasan Andre Raoufi, Student Assistant with Graphic Services, is wearing Large Navy polo shirt, Robert Wayne with the Division of Technology Services is wearing Large Oxford Gray polo shirt, and Tierney O’Donnell, Student Assistant with the Public Affairs Office is wearing Large, Light Blue polo shirt. The shirts are available in adult sizes: XS – 3XL. Please see attached order form for purchasing information. Photograph... Order Form... Free July 4 Fireworks Display Will Light Up Lake Oroville -- One of Northern California’s biggest fireworks shows will be presented at Lake Oroville on Tuesday, July 4, starting at 9:45. The 30-minute pyrotechnical display is presented at the State Water Project’s major Northern California reservoir in scenic Butte County, free of charge. (06/22/06) more... DWR To Hold Public Workshop in Sacramento on Emergency Levee Repairs -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) will conduct a public workshop on Thursday evening in Sacramento to outline emergency repairs scheduled this summer for levee sites in the region. (06/21/06) more... 14,000 Tons of Sand! -- Last year, DWR identified potential seismic safety risks at Perris Dam (Riverside County) and lowered the water level 25 feet while repairs are made. This lower lake level changed the shoreline, including beach areas used by thousands of visitors every month. This week, DWR began improvements to the main beach. Over 500 truck loads -- approximately 14,000 tons -- of sand will be brought here by early July, creating a great new beach. Photographs... Perris Dam... Perris Recreation... DWR Recommends $21.5 Million in Water Desalination Grants, Schedules Public Workshop -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Staff is recommending that 23 water desalination projects be awarded $21.5 million in Proposition 50 grants. more... DWR Announces Lake Oroville Is Brimful -- Ready for Summer Fun! -- Lake Oroville hit the full mark in early June and is ready for summer recreation fun! The second largest reservoir in California, with 167 miles of shoreline, Lake Oroville offers fishing, camping, swimming, boating and riding in an easy-to-reach Northern California venue, just 70 miles north of Sacramento. (06/09/06) more... DWR To Hold Public Workshop in Woodland on Emergency Levee Repairs -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) will conduct a public workshop on Wednesday evening in Woodland, Yolo County, to outline emergency repairs scheduled this summer for levee sites in the region. (06/06/06) more... DWR Awards $9 Million in Grants to Study, Restore, and Protect Watersheds -- The California Department of Water Resources, Division of Planning and Local Assistance, has awarded nearly $9 million in CALFED grants to 28 watershed projects throughout the state. (06/05/06) more... Department of Water Resources Celebrates 50th Anniversary At State Capitol -- As the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) undertakes an historic effort to upgrade and strengthen California's aging flood control system, the Department's accomplishments of the past 50 years will be displayed and celebrated with the public on the State Capitol west steps and lawn, Wednesday, May 31. (05/30/06) more... Oroville Stamp -- A stamp depicting the Oroville Dam was unveiled at the dam on Saturday, May 27. (05/30/06) more... DWR Schedules Series of Public Workshops as Levee Repairs Set to Begin -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has scheduled six public workshops to discuss emergency levee erosion repair work on the Sacramento River Flood Control System. (05/26/06) more... Levee Repair Web Site -- DWR today unveiled a new Web site that will provide up-to-date information on repairs to 29 critical erosion sites in the Sacramento region. (05/25/06) website... Oroville Dam Postage Stamp to be Unveiled -- A stamp depicting the Department of Water Resources’ Oroville Dam will be unveiled at the dam on Saturday, May 27 by the U.S. Postal Service. Oroville Postmaster Joan Cooper will preside over the 9 a.m. – noon May 27 stamp unveiling ceremony near the observation area of Oroville Dam’s Spillway Recreation Unit. more… DWR Awards Delta Risk Management Strategy Contract to URS Corporation -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has awarded a $6 million contract to URS Corporation to develop a comprehensive Delta Risk Management Strategy. (05/19/06) more... Delta Tour for Journalists -- the Water Education Foundation is providing a tour of the Delta for journalists. DWR staff will participate. (05/17/06) website... flyer... Vision Conference: Lost Registrations -- Everyone who used the on-line registration before May 12 needs to confirm their registration with the Water Education Foundation. Please call Diana Farmer, at 916-444-6240. (05/17/26) website... Flood and Levee Bond -- The state legislature has approved the largest infrastructure package in state history. A $4.09 billion bond to improve flood protection will be on the November 2006 ballot. (05/10/06) more… Invitation to Contractors -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has scheduled a contractor outreach workshop at 9 a.m. Monday, May 8 to provide an overview of the Emergency Levee Erosion Repair Project and explain the process for applying for construction contracts to prospective contractors. (05/03/06) more… DWR Director Snow Joins Riverbend Park Dedication Ceremony -- Department of Water Resources (DWR) Director Lester A. Snow will be a featured speaker at the Friday, May 5, 2006, dedication of Oroville’s Riverbend Park. (05/03/06) more... DWR’s 50th Anniversary, Wise Water Use Are Water Awareness Themes for 2006 -- “Happy 50th Birthday, DWR” and “Use Water Wisely” are twin themes for the 2006 observance of May as Water Awareness Month in California. (05/02/06) more... State-Federal Agreement on Levee Repairs -- Governor Schwarzenegger and the Bush Administration have finalized an agreement for an expedited permitting process to fix 29 critical levee sites in the Sacramento River basin by November 1, 2006. (05/02/06) Press Release... MOU... Press Conference audio... DWR Hyatt Powerplant Project -- On April 29th, the second runner for the Hyatt Powerplant Pump-Turbine Refurbishment project was flown to Mather Airport. (05/01/06) Photographs... Developing a Delta Vision Conference, June 6 & 7 -- At this two-day conference in the Long Theatre at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, learn what is being pursued by local and state officials, Delta residents, environmentalists, water agencies and others to craft a vision to sustain the Delta.(04/27/06) Flyer... Website... DWR Announces Final Snow Survey Results -- Results of today’s fifth and final snow survey of the 2005-2006 snowfall season -- conducted by the California Department of Water Resources off Highway 50 near Echo Summit -- are as follows: (04/27/06) more... DWR Directs Recent Flood Fight Activities -- California has experienced two major flood events in 2006. This three-minute video shows some DWR activities during the January and April storms to fight floods, protect communities and rebuild damaged portions of the state's levee system. (04/26/06) video... DWR Sets Fifth and Final Snow Survey Date of Season -- The fifth snow survey of the 2005-2006 winter season by the California Department of Water Resources will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 27, 2006, near Lake Tahoe. (04/24/06) more... DWR Awarded More Than $70 Million in Dispute with Sempra Energy -- Arbitration panel rules Sempra Energy acted in bad faith and in breach of multiple aspects of its long-term energy contract with DWR (04/21/06) more... Five Levee Sites Added to DWR's Critical Erosion List for Emergency Repair -- Following Governor Schwarzenegger's plan to restore California's failing levees, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has added five levee sites to its critical erosion list. This brings the total number of emergency repair sites to 29. Work on some sites is expected to begin in June and conclude with repairs to all 29 levees by the end of the year. (04/20/06) Press Release... Overview Map... Critical Sites List... Timeline... Delta to Reopen to Boating -- The Department of Boating and Waterways announced that waters of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta will fully reopen to recreational boating at noon on Thursday, April 20th. (04/19/06) more... Media Briefing on Flood Fights and Critical Levee Repairs April 20, 2006, 11:30 a.m. in State Capitol Room 1190 -- The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) will provide an update on current conditions in the Central Valley flood control system and recent flood fights on the San Joaquin River. (04/19/06) more... DWR Increases 2006 State Water Project Allocation to 100% -- In an unprecedented move, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced it is increasing its allocation of 2006 State Water Project (SWP) water for long-term contractors from 80 percent to 100 percent of requests. (04/18/06) more... San Joaquin County Delta Waterways Still Closed to Recreational Boating -- To protect levees, the Department of Boating and Waterways has extended the closure of recreational boating in San Joaquin County Delta waterways until noon Thursday, April 20. (04/18/06) more... DWR Prepares for Storms -- DWR staff are fighting floods and doing emergency advance work along the San Joaquin River. This video, shot on April 9th, shows some of DWR's activities in Fresno and San Joaquin counties to help protect lives and property. (04/11/06) video... Joint Operations Center Tour -- Gov. Schwarzenegger toured the DWR Flood Operations Center on Monday. (04/11/06) more... Delta Waterways Closed to Recreational Boating -- To protect levees and boaters, the Department of Boating and Waterways has closed the Delta in San Joaquin and Contra Costa counties to recreational boating. (04/11/06) more... Flood Officials Prepare for San Joaquin Flood Fight This Weekend -- State and federal flood agencies, working with local reservoir operators and flood officials, have developed an action plan for expected San Joaquin Valley high water conditions this weekend.(04/07/06) more... Congressional Hearing on Levees -- Director Lester Snow today testified before a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee in Washington D.C. on efforts to protect the Delta and Respond to Catastrophic Failures in California Water Deliveries. (04/06/06) Press Release... Critical Sites List... Testimony text... DWR Declares Flood Alert -- Department of Water Resources (DWR) flood management officials today declared a Flood Alert. As a result, DWR will increase its watch on river and levee conditions as rain continues this week across much of the state and releases are increased from many reservoirs. (04/03/06) more... March 28 Snow Survey -- DWR reports the results of the March 28 snow survey conducted off Highway 50 near Echo Summit. (03/28/06) more... Caspar Weinberger Dies -- Caspar W. Weinberger, one of the “fathers” of the Department of Water Resources, died today (March 28, 2006) at age 88. As a California Assemblyman from San Francisco, Weinberger authored the 1956 legislation that created DWR and facilitated construction of the State Water Project. From 1968-1970, Weinberger was Governor Reagan’s State Finance Director, and later served President Reagan as Secretary of Defense. (03/28/06) DWR NEWS/People article DWR Increases 2006 State Water Project Allocation to 80% -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced it is increasing its allocation of 2006 State Water Project (SWP) water for long-term contractors from 70% to 80% of requests. (03/24/06) more... Levee Erosion Animation -- This animation sequence demonstrates hidden erosion throughout the Sacramento and Delta levee systems. The animation was created as a part of a presentation to visiting Nat'l Homeland Securities Director Michael Chertoff on March 17th. (03/22/06) movie... screenshot... DWR Hosts Oroville Facilities Relicensing Agreement Signing -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today hosted a signing ceremony for the Oroville Relicensing Settlement Agreement. (03/21/06) more... brochure DWR Sets Fourth Snow Survey Date -- The fourth snow survey of the 2005-2006 winter season by the California Department of Water Resources will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2006, near Lake Tahoe. (03/21/06) more... Homeland Security Secretary Tours Levees -- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff today toured Sacramento area levees with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and DWR Director Lester Snow. (03/17/06) press release... Executive Order to Repair Levees -- Governor Schwarzenegger has signed an executive crder directing DWR to repair 24 critical levee erosion sites. (03/09/06) press release... New Video on Levee Failures -- A major levee break in the Central Valley or Delta would have devastating consequences, as shown on this new DWR-produced video. (03/08/06) Video (14 mb wmv) March 1 Snow Survey -- DWR reports the results of the March 1 snow survey conducted off Highway 50 near Echo Summit. (03/01/06) more... February DWR's 50th Anniversary Magazine/Web Site -- To commemorate the Department of Water Resources' 50th anniversary in 2006, the Public Affairs Office has dedicated its entire DWR NEWS/People winter 2006 magazine to Department history, projections and employee memories. (02/28/06) Web Site, Magazine State of Emergency The Governor has declared a state of emergency for the state's levee system. By declaring this state of emergency, the state can provide additional funding and streamline the process to repair critical erosion sites in the levee system. (02/27/06) Critical Sites List and Map (414 kb PDF), Governor's Office Press Release, Erosion Report (338 kb PDF), Letter to President Officials Call for More Levee Funding -- DWR helped organize an aerial tour of Sacramento area and Delta levees for State and federal officials including Governor Schwarzenegger, U.S. Senator Feinstein and local congressional representatives. Video excerpts of their media briefing are of statewide interest. (02/24/06) video photographs DWR Schedules March Snow Survey -- The next snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2006, near Lake Tahoe. (02/23/06) more Resources Agency Cover Letter for Water Plan -- Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman issued a cover letter for the California Water Plan Update announcing Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed Strategic Growth Plan. The proposal includes two programs drawn directly from the Water Plan. (02/15/06) more... Governor's Water Week Events -- Governor Schwarzenegger has a week long series of events and speeches focusing on water issues. Today, he joined DWR Director Lester Snow at the World Ag Expo in Tulare County. (02/15/06) more... Water Week Preview and Briefing -- Director Lester Snow will preview Governor Schwarzenegger’s scheduled “Water Week” activities and give an overview of the new California Water Plan Update Tuesday, February 14 at 11:15 a.m. in Room 1190 of the State Capitol. (02/10/06) more... February Snow Survey Results -- DWR announced results of the February 1, 2006, snow survey off Highway 50 near Echo Summit. (02/01/06) more... January Legislative Hearings on Strategic Growth Plan -- Director Snow testified today to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, and the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee on Governor Schwarzenegger's Strategic Growth Plan. Below are copies of those presentations. (01/31/06) Senate (9.5MB .pdf), Assembly (4.5MB .pdf) Stakeholder Support for Oroville Relicensing -- A coalition of environmental and recreational organizations, private citizens, water contractors, and government agencies has announced support for an historic settlement agreement that supports DWR’s new federal license application for its Oroville facilities. (01/27/06) more... Water Desalination PSP and Workshop -- DWR announces release of the 2006 Water Desalination Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) and has scheduled a workshop on February 10 to explain the grant application process. Applications are due March 24, 2006. (01/26/06) more... 'No Crop Idling Alternative' Public Workshop -- DWR will host a February 7, 2006, public workshop on the “No Crop Idling Alternative,” which is being considered as part of the environmental review for the Environmental Water Account. (01/25/06) more... February Snow Survey -- The next snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2006, near Lake Tahoe. (01/25/06) more... Governor's Strategic Growth Plan -- DWR Director Lester Snow today outlined the flood control and water management elements of Governor Schwarzenegger’s Strategic Growth Plan in two legislative hearings. Below are copies of the presentations to the State Assembly and State Senate. (01/24/06) Senate (2.7MB .pdf), Assembly (3.6MB .pdf) SWP Allocation Increase -- DWR has announced it is increasing its allocation of 2006 State Water Project water for long-term contractors from 65% to 70% of requests. (01/18/06) more... New State Climatologist Web Site -- DWR announces a new information portal for climate variables such as precipitation, temperature and snowpack as well as climate-related products, educational information, and links to data, other agencies. (01/17/06) Web Site DWR Closes Sacramento Weir -- The Department of Water Resources completed closing all of the gates at the Sacramento Weir early Tuesday afternoon, January 10, 2006. Twenty of the gates were opened on December 31, 2005 when the Sacramento River reached 27.5 feet at the I Street Bridge, with a rising forecast. Though the river elevation was stabilized at the I Street Bridge, the weir bays can’t be closed until the water level drops below 25 feet at the weir. Closure began mid-morning on January 9, and progressed at about one gate per half-hour. (01/11/06) Photographs: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 Water Strategy Press Conference, January 6, 2006 -- On Friday, January 6, with the Nimbus Dam as a backdrop, Governor Schwarzenegger announced his long-term strategy for improving water management in California through a series of bond financing acts. Also on hand were Mike Chrisman, Secretary for Resources, Lester Snow, DWR Director, Stein Buer, Executive Director of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, Senator Dave Cox, and Assemblyman Roger Niello. Photos by Dale Kolke and Video by Albert Madrid, Public Affairs Office staff. (01/10/06) Press Conference Photographs: #1, #2, #3, Press Conference Video: Governor, Director Governor Schwarzenegger Proposes Funds for California Water Issues -- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed the largest investment in flood and water management in state history. The Strategic Growth Plan proposes a $35 billion investment over the next ten years, including $9 billion in bond funds. (01/06/06) more... DWR and DFG Directors to Host Fish Passage Document Signing -- Friday, January 13, 2006, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will host signing of the inaugural publication of Bulletin 250, Fish Passage Improvement 2005. (01/05/06) more... DWR Announces January 4 Snow Survey Results -- Results of the January 4, 2006, snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources off Highway 50 near Echo Summit are as follows: (01/04/06) more... Delta Recreational Boating Ban Lifted -- The California Department of Boating and Waterways has lifted its ban on recreational boating on Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta waterways effective 10:30 a.m. today. Based on reduced water levels and flows on major tributaries, reduced wind in the Delta area, and a significant reduction in large debris, DBW has determined that the Delta system is safe for recreational boating. For further information, visit DBW’s website: http://www.dbw.ca.gov/ (01/04/06) DBW Website, Memorandum Twitchell Island Flood Fight -- The dramatically graphic video (shot by Albert Madrid and Mark Lambert of the Public Affairs Office Film/Video Unit on Sunday, January 1, 2006) shows overtopping of the Twitchell Island levee system during a period of high water and very strong southwesterly winds in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta. That overtopping forced floodfighters to retreat from the area until conditions calmed enough that working conditions were safe. Approximately 100 residents of the island were evacuated. Despite the severe battering, DWR Emergency Flood Operations personnel (aided by California Conservation Corps crews) were able to shore up problem areas and saved the island from flooding. (01/03/06) Video


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