"This water bond will make a record investment in California's economic, agricultural and environmental future," Governor Davis said. "It recognizes that water is the lifeblood of California. Water flows through our history and our economy just as it flows from the highland to tidewater. Our success as a people depends upon our ability to sustain our water supply and to keep it clean and drinkable for our children."

At the bill signing ceremony, Governor Davis was surrounded by the stakeholders representatives from business, water and environmental communities who have worked for the past three years with the bill authors Senator Jim Costa and Assembly Member Mike Machado to craft a water bond. ACWA's Steve Hall participated in the ceremony.

"With the stroke of a pen, Governor Davis has brought us one step closer to an historic investment in California's future," said ACWA Executive Director Steve Hall. "AB 1584 is the largest general obligation water bond in the state's history. More importantly, it's a measure that balances our environmental needs with our economic future. The bill's authors, Senator Jim Costa and Assembly Member Mike Machado deserve high praise for making this day a reality."

If approved by voters, this bond will finance a variety of projects to provide safe drinking water, protect California's coast, preserve waterways and watersheds and sustain water supplies and overall water quality, including:

- $70 million for safe drinking water
- $232 million for flood protection
- $253 million for watershed protection
- $345 million for clean water and water recycling
- $160 million for water conservation; and
- $605 million for water supply, reliability and infrastructure.

Governor Davis told voters to "for Y2K vote H20."

ACWA thanks all members who helped make the water bond possible.