"In response to a dire fourth year of drought, Gov. Jerry Brown and members of the state Legislature announced a plan Thursday to accelerate $1 billion in bond money for water recycling projects and delivery of emergency supplies to hard-hit communities.

Brown said the proposal accelerates spending that voters have already approved for water and flood projects, including last year’s $7.5 billion bond measure.

'We need to get the money out the door now for shovel-ready projects and existing water programs that only need funding to get started,' Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon said. 'No delay. No red tape.'"

Steve Scauzillo reports for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune March 19, 2015. [2]