Governor-Feinstein water summit on tap San Diego Union Tribune February 19, 2008 SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein will convene a closed door summit here Thursday that could determine California's water priorities for years to come. While the Republican governor has long touted a multi-billion dollar water bond that includes funding for new reservoirs, the Democratic senator has been reticent to endorse a measure. Feinstein's endorsement is considered crucial to the future of any bond, presenting a united, bi-partisan face on any measure going to voters. Sen. David Cogdill, R-Modesto, who is a leading GOP lawmaker on water issues, candidly concedes that Feinstein is the central figure. "I would be surprised if anybody has the heart to move forward without the support of Sen. Feinstein and the governor," Cogdill said. Schwarzenegger and Feinstein are expected to hear from leaders of the environment and business communities, each pitching their own proposal. The popular Feinstein is being courted by both sides, but has been particularly pressured by the governor, agribusiness and chamber of commerce executives who are convinced that new reservoirs must be part of any comprehensive spending package along with conservation and groundwater. "What we're looking for is the same thing we've been looking for for a long time ... that's a comprehensive water solution for all of California," Cogdill said. Adding to the pressure, the chamber on Tuesday received clearance to start gathering signatures to qualify one of a handful of water bond proposals. Supporters are expected to settle on one to push to the ballot after the summit. California is growing, global warming threatens to reduce snow pack and increase flood threats, and court-ordered fish protections have squeezed deliveries through the Sacramento delta, they argue. However, environmentalists want a water bond that is not as reliant on reservoirs. Their campaign centers on a package that puts groundwater and conservation as priorities. Both camps offer millions toward environmental restoration targeting the fragile Sacramento delta, a 1,100-mile maze of waterways and hub of California's water supply system. What to do about a new delivery system to bring water south is another sticking point. Many Southern California water agencies have agreed to pay about $4 billion for a new canal, but the prospect of making it easier to ship water is controversial. - Michael Gardner, Copley News Service Copyright 1999-2008, California Coastal Coalition Phone: (760) 944-3564