Managing for Change Modernizing California's Water Governance

Report #201, August 2010
Managing for Change Modernizing California's Water Governance

Full Report

Executive Summary

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Commission Calls for New Water Department With Focus on Supply Management and Planning;
Separate Entity for State Water Project, More Bond Oversight

The Little Hoover Commission on Thursday, August 26, 2010, issued recommendations calling for a new approach to managing California’s water supply. The Commission released its report, Managing for Change: Modernizing California’s Water Governance, urging the governor and the Legislature to restructure the state’s water administration to better coordinate key supply management and planning roles, and separate them from the operation of the State Water Project.

The Commission concluded that the state’s current water management and planning structure, in place since 1969, is obsolete and leaves the state ill-prepared to handle unpredictable precipitation, growing population and the need to better balance environmental needs with urban and agricultural demand. California’s current Department of Water Resources was created in 1956 to launch the State Water Project. A half century later, the project is complete. Today, the department’s mission of operating the project is at odds with its separate mission of managing existing water resources and planning for future needs.

In the intervening decades, environmental laws and court rulings have added requirements to ensure that sufficient water is devoted to protect the environment and support endangered species. When water supplies are static, or reduced by drought, the result is conflict, too often settled in court, out of the hands of California’s leaders.

“The real issue is the reallocation of the resource in a fundamentally different way than the system is capable of handling,” Little Hoover Commission Chairman Daniel Hancock said.

The Commission recommends a reorganization that would create a new Department of Water Management as the state’s main organization for managing its water resources and planning for future needs, implementing strategies to expand supply and reduce demand through water conservation and efficiency programs. The Commission recommends moving the State Water Project into a separate, independent state-owned water authority. This would create an organization designed specifically to operate the project.

To bolster supply management, the new department would integrate water rights administration and enforcement to improve accounting for how water is used and to reduce illegal or unauthorized water use. As part of the reorganization, the Division of Water Rights, now part of the State Water Resources Control Board, would be relocated to the new Department of Water Management, reuniting two functions that were separated to accommodate the planning and construction of the State Water Project. The Department of Fish and Game’s instream flow analysis unit would move to the new Department of Water Management to enhance the state’s ability to factor in water needs for aquatic habitat and wildlife to supply estimates and water rights decisions.

The Commission used the 2009 water reform legislation as a policy foundation for its governance recommendations, with the aim of creating a structure that could ensure that the reforms are implemented to reach their full potential. The 2009 water legislation revived the State Water Commission, whose members have now been appointed. Though the 2009 water bond proposal has been delayed, this newly revived commission could and should be put to use to oversee the investment and results of the $20 billion in already authorized water resources bonds, whether the bond money is spent through the Natural Resources Agency or by other agencies.

Specifically, the Commission recommends that the state:

  • Improve transparency, accountability and efficiency for distinct water functions within the current Department of Water Resources. The governor and Legislature should integrate water rights administration and accounting with water use planning and management functions, and separate these functions from water supply and delivery operations. These functions should be organized into a new Department of Water Management.
     
  • Provide strong oversight of all natural resources bond spending and ensure that money is allocated strategically. The California Water Commission should provide oversight of all natural resources bond expenditures, including current bond programs and future voter-authorized bonds in the Natural Resources Agency as well resource bond-funded programs in other agencies.
     
  • Improve transparency, efficiency and accountability of the State Water Project. The governor and Legislature should create a separate, independent publicly owned entity, the California Water Authority, to operate the State Water Project and other current functions related to or influenced by the project’s operations. The new entity should work to further integrate its operations with those of the federal Central Valley Project, with the ultimate goal of merging the two systems under state ownership.
     

The Commission most recently looked at water governance in its January 2009 study, Clearer Structure, Cleaner Water: Improving Performance and Outcomes at the State Water Boards, and its November 2005 study, Still Imperiled, Still Important, a review of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program.

The Little Hoover Commission is a bipartisan and independent state agency charged with recommending ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of state programs. The Commission’s recommendations are sent to the governor and the Legislature. To obtain a copy of the report, Managing for Change: Modernizing California’s Water Governance, contact the Commission or visit its Web site: www.lhc.ca.gov.

Fact Sheet

Study Description

For this study, the Commission reviewed governance issues around the supply and management of water resources at the state level, including the interrelated roles of different state agencies and recommended improvements that would strengthen governance and increase efficiency, transparency and accountability.


Previsous Studies

Agenda

Overview

In this report, the Commission calls for a new approach to managing California's water supply.

During its review, the Commission found that the state’s current water management and planning structure, in place since 1969, is obsolete and leaves the state ill-prepared to handle unpredictable precipitation, growing population and the need to better balance environmental needs with urban and agricultural demand.

The Commission recommends moving the State Water Project out of the Department of Water Resources and under the jurisdiction of a separate, independent state-owned water authority. The Commission also recommends reorganizing statewide water management duties into a new Department of Water Management for a more comprehensive, forwardlooking approach.

Print Agenda
  • May 26
    2010
    Water Governance
    3:00 p.m., Library and Courts Building II, Room 353, 900 N Street,
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 13, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Wednesday, May 26, 2010, the Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a meeting beginning at 3 p.m. in Room 301 of the Library and Courts Building II, 900 N Street, in Sacramento. The subcommittee will discuss a draft of its report on governance and management of the state’s water supply.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, May 19, 2010.

  • January 28
    2010
    Water Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Water Governance
    Thursday, January 28, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Adaptive Statewide Water Planning & Management

    1. Elizabeth Ann Rieke, Senior Consultant, Resources Legacy Fund (Written Testimony)
       

    Improving Water Use Efficiency: Market and Regulation Approaches

    1. Richard Howitt, Chair, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Byron Buck, Executive Director, Federal-State Water Contractors Agency (Written Testimony)
       

    Effective Water Storage and Conveyance: Above & Below Ground

    1. Jonathan Parker, General Manager, Kern Water Bank Authority (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Maurice Hall, Senior Hydrologist, California Water Program, The Nature Conservancy (Written Testimony)


    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    January 14, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, January 28, 2010, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will discuss future water governance, water use efficiency, groundwater management and storage, and strategies for streamlining the water transfer process.

    The Commission will hear from a senior consultant with the Resources Legacy Fund on water planning and management. A panel of two participants will discuss using markets and regulation for efficient water use. That panel will include a University of California, Davis, professor and chair and the executive director of the State and Federal Water Contractors Agency. Finally, a second panel will discuss water storage and conveyance, including groundwater options. That panel will include the general manager of the Kern Water Bank Authority and a senior hydrologist with the California Water Program of The Nature Conservancy.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. A business meeting will follow the hearing.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, January 21, 2010.

  • January 27
    2010
    Water Governance
    3:00 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    December 24, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water transfers on January 27, 2010. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    Several participants will discuss water transfers, possible state strategies and methods for creating an effective water market. The Commission is studying California water governance and will explore recommendations for a range of policy areas and governance related to the management of the state’s water.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, January 20, 2010

  • January 13
    2010
    Water Governance
    1:00 p.m., Library and Courts Building II, Room 353, 900 N Street,
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    December 24, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet on January 13, 2010. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. in Room 353 of the Library and Courts Building II, 900 N Street in Sacramento.

    The subcommittee members will discuss the status of the Commission’s study on water governance, ahead of the Commission’s fourth and final hearing, set for January 28, 2010. The Commission is exploring recommendations for a range of policy areas and governance related to the management of the state’s water.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, January 6, 2010.

  • November 18
    2009
    Water Governance
    1:30 p.m., State Capitol, Room 125, Sacramento, CA
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Advisory Committee Meeting on Water Governance
    Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
    State Capitol, Room 125
    Sacramento, CA


    Meeting Goals: Discuss water conservation & efficiency to identify existing governance issues.

    1:30 – 1:45

    Welcome and Opening Remarks
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director, Little Hoover Commission

    Identify Commission Study Process & Advisory Committee Role

    Introductions – All

    1:45 – 3:30

    Developing a water conservation strategy and governance model for the future.

    • How can the state improve its conservation strategies and how much can leaders reasonably expect to gain from conservation efforts? Where in government should such efforts be located? Why?
       
    • What incentives can be used to get urban areas and agricultural water users to reduce the amount of water they use?
       
    • Should conservation policy be geared toward a regulatory or market-based approach, or both?
       
    • How could a coordinated approach to water conservation be successful statewide for both agricultural and urban conservation efforts?
       
    • How can DWR’s Integrated Regional Water Management Planning process be enhanced to better incorporate urban and agricultural efficiency standards?
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 3, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water conservation on November 18, 2009. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Room 125 at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    Several participants will discuss water conservation, possible state strategies and potential water savings. The Commission is studying California water governance and, among other areas, will explore recommendations for conservation as part of a broader discussion of the management of the state’s water.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

  • October 14
    2009
    Water Governance
    1:30 p.m., Skyroom North, University of California Hastings College
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 30, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene a public meeting on water rights and water quality on October 14, 2009. Experts will discuss the nexus between water rights and water quality in California. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Skyroom North at the University of California Hastings College of the Law, 100 McAllister Street, in San Francisco.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, October 7, 2009.

  • September 24
    2009
    Water Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Water Governance
    Thursday, September 24, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Past Efforts to Combine the CVP with the SWP: History & Next Steps 

    1. Don Glaser, Regional Director, Mid-Pacific Region, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 
       

    State Water Project: Governance outside Department of Water Resources

    1. Sarah Bates, Senior Associate, Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Policy, University of Montana (Written Testimony)
       

    Integrated Water Management: Incentivizing Coordination and Implementation

    1. Mark Cowin, Deputy Director,  Integrated Water Management, Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)


    Irrigation Efficiency Program: A Model for 21st Century Water Governance

    1. Jason Peltier, Chief Deputy General Manager, Westland Water District 
      ​​​​​​​

    Effective Water Governance, Planning and Implementation: A How to Guide

    1. Richard Roos-Collins, Director of Legal Services, Natural Heritage Institute (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Dean Misczynski, Retired Director, California Research Bureau
      ​​​​​​​

    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 10, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, September 24, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will discuss governance options past and present for the merging of the federal Central Valley Project and State Water Project, potential separation of the State Water Project from the Department of Water Resources, statewide integrated water planning efforts, irrigation efficiency projects and any legal and economic barriers that exist.

    The Commission will hear from a regional director of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on past efforts to combine the state and federal water projects under state control. The Commission also will hear about the findings of recent research into the separation of the State Water Project from DWR. A water expert and researcher from Montana who has been studying this possibility and governance models will present her work. Following that, a DWR official in integrated water management will discuss regional coordination. The chief deputy general manager of Westlands Water District will discuss governance models and efficient water management. The director of legal services for the Natural Heritage Institute will discuss effective governance. Finally, the Commission will hear from a retired longtime director of the California Research Bureau on the economic side of reforming California’s water governance.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. A business meeting will follow the hearing.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 17, 2009.

  • September 23
    2009
    Water Governance
    1:30 p.m., Library and Courts II Building, Room 340, 900 N Street,
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 9, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water governance on September 23, 2009. A water governance expert will present the findings of recent research on governance models, as the Commission explores, among other topics, what benefits would be gained, if any, through separating the State Water Project from the California Department of Water Resources. Advisory committee members representing different water perspectives will participate in the discussion. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Room 340 of the Library and Courts II Building, 900 N Street, Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, September 16, 2009.

  • August 18
    2009
    Water Governance
    9:30 a.m., Library and Courts II Building, Room 340, 900 N Street,
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    August 4, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water rights on August 18, 2009. Water rights experts representing state agencies, water conveyors and users, environmental organizations and other areas will discuss the history and current issues within California water rights permitting processes. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 340 of the Library and Courts II Building, 900 N Street, Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, August 11, 2009.

  • June 30
    2009
    Water Governance
    1:30 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 16, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    Two subcommittees of the Little Hoover Commission will meet on June 30, 2009. The Infrastructure Policy and Finance Subcommittee will meet at 9 a.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. The meeting will highlight centers of excellence developed by British Columbia and Ontario to implement and oversee publicprivate partnerships, featuring representatives of Partnerships British Columbia and Infrastructure Ontario, as well as California economic development and infrastructure officials.

    The Water Governance Subcommittee will meet at 1:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. The meeting will serve as a briefing on water rights by representatives of the State Water Resources Control Board and the Department of Water Resources and will address California’s water rights permitting processes.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, June 23, 2009.

  • June 25
    2009
    Water Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 113, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Water Governance
    Thursday, June 25, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 113 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Water Management in California: Today's Structure, Future Needs

    1. Lester Snow, Director, California Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
       

    Federal Perspective: Central Valley Project and Water Management in California

    1. Ron Milligan, Operations Manager, Central Valley Operations Office, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Written Testimony)
       

    Water Management from a User's Perspective and Other Agencies' Roles

    1. Roger Patterson, Assistant General Manager – Strategic Water Initiatives, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Written Testimony)


    Arizona Model

    1. Sandra Fabritz-Whitney, Assistant Director, Water Management Division, Arizona Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Sid Wilson, General Manager, retired, Central Arizona Project (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Utah Model

    1. Dennis Strong, Director, Utah Division of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 23, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, June 25, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 113 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will learn about the models and practices used in California and other western U.S. states.

    The Commission will hear an overview of California’s water governance structure and the responsibilities and roles of the Department of Water Resources from the department’s director. The operations manager for the Central Valley Operations Office of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will discuss the federal water system in California and its role in water governance and delivery. An assistant general manager for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will discuss California’s water supply system from a user’s standpoint and will share experiences in other states and at the federal level, based on his previous professional experience. The Commission will learn about the model and practices used in Arizona from the assistant director of the Water Management Division of the Arizona Department of Water Resources and from the recently retired general manager of the Central Arizona Project. Finally, the director of the Utah Division of Water Resources will outline the history and methods of water management in Utah.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    The Commission also will conduct business meetings on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, and on Thursday, following the hearing. The meeting on Wednesday will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Room 127 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, June 18, 2009.

  • April 23
    2009
    Water Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Water Governance
    Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Overview of Current Water Landscape and Issues

    1. Jay Lund, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis (Written Testimony)
       

    The Delta Experience: Larger Lessons for Water Governance

    1. Phillip Isenberg, Chair, Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force (Written Testimony)
       

    Improving Transparency and Accountability, Contractors’ Perspectives

    1. Laura King Moon, Assistant General Manager, State Water Contractors (Written Testimony)


    Balancing Environmental Needs; Ensuring Public Interest Role

    1. Cynthia Koehler, Senior Consulting Attorney, Land, Water & Wildlife Program, Environmental Defense Fund (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Envisioning a Different Future

    1. Jonas Minton, Water Policy Advisor, The Planning and Conservation League (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 09, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, April 23, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will learn about the current conditions surrounding the state’s water supply, its management and issues related to it. The Commission will hear an overview from a professor of civil and environmental engineering at UC Davis. The chair of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force will speak on lessons for water governance that stem from its two-year Delta study. The assistant general manager for the nonprofit organization State Water Contractors will discuss transparency and accountability. A senior consulting attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund will discuss balancing environmental needs and ensuring the role of public interest. Finally, a water policy advisor with the Planning and Conservation League will look ahead to future management of water resources.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold its business meeting. 

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, April 16, 2009.

May 26
2010
Water Governance
3:00 p.m., Library and Courts Building II, Room 353, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Wednesday, May 26, 2010, the Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a meeting beginning at 3 p.m. in Room 301 of the Library and Courts Building II, 900 N Street, in Sacramento. The subcommittee will discuss a draft of its report on governance and management of the state’s water supply.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, May 19, 2010.

January 28
2010
Water Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Water Governance
Thursday, January 28, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Adaptive Statewide Water Planning & Management

  1. Elizabeth Ann Rieke, Senior Consultant, Resources Legacy Fund (Written Testimony)
     

Improving Water Use Efficiency: Market and Regulation Approaches

  1. Richard Howitt, Chair, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Byron Buck, Executive Director, Federal-State Water Contractors Agency (Written Testimony)
     

Effective Water Storage and Conveyance: Above & Below Ground

  1. Jonathan Parker, General Manager, Kern Water Bank Authority (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Maurice Hall, Senior Hydrologist, California Water Program, The Nature Conservancy (Written Testimony)


Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, January 28, 2010, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will discuss future water governance, water use efficiency, groundwater management and storage, and strategies for streamlining the water transfer process.

The Commission will hear from a senior consultant with the Resources Legacy Fund on water planning and management. A panel of two participants will discuss using markets and regulation for efficient water use. That panel will include a University of California, Davis, professor and chair and the executive director of the State and Federal Water Contractors Agency. Finally, a second panel will discuss water storage and conveyance, including groundwater options. That panel will include the general manager of the Kern Water Bank Authority and a senior hydrologist with the California Water Program of The Nature Conservancy.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. A business meeting will follow the hearing.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, January 21, 2010.

January 27
2010
Water Governance
3:00 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 24, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water transfers on January 27, 2010. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

Several participants will discuss water transfers, possible state strategies and methods for creating an effective water market. The Commission is studying California water governance and will explore recommendations for a range of policy areas and governance related to the management of the state’s water.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, January 20, 2010

January 13
2010
Water Governance
1:00 p.m., Library and Courts Building II, Room 353, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 24, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet on January 13, 2010. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. in Room 353 of the Library and Courts Building II, 900 N Street in Sacramento.

The subcommittee members will discuss the status of the Commission’s study on water governance, ahead of the Commission’s fourth and final hearing, set for January 28, 2010. The Commission is exploring recommendations for a range of policy areas and governance related to the management of the state’s water.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, January 6, 2010.

November 18
2009
Water Governance
1:30 p.m., State Capitol, Room 125, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda

AGENDA

Advisory Committee Meeting on Water Governance
Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
State Capitol, Room 125
Sacramento, CA


Meeting Goals: Discuss water conservation & efficiency to identify existing governance issues.

1:30 – 1:45

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Stuart Drown, Executive Director, Little Hoover Commission

Identify Commission Study Process & Advisory Committee Role

Introductions – All

1:45 – 3:30

Developing a water conservation strategy and governance model for the future.

  • How can the state improve its conservation strategies and how much can leaders reasonably expect to gain from conservation efforts? Where in government should such efforts be located? Why?
     
  • What incentives can be used to get urban areas and agricultural water users to reduce the amount of water they use?
     
  • Should conservation policy be geared toward a regulatory or market-based approach, or both?
     
  • How could a coordinated approach to water conservation be successful statewide for both agricultural and urban conservation efforts?
     
  • How can DWR’s Integrated Regional Water Management Planning process be enhanced to better incorporate urban and agricultural efficiency standards?
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water conservation on November 18, 2009. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Room 125 at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

Several participants will discuss water conservation, possible state strategies and potential water savings. The Commission is studying California water governance and, among other areas, will explore recommendations for conservation as part of a broader discussion of the management of the state’s water.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

October 14
2009
Water Governance
1:30 p.m., Skyroom North, University of California Hastings College of the Law, 100 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene a public meeting on water rights and water quality on October 14, 2009. Experts will discuss the nexus between water rights and water quality in California. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Skyroom North at the University of California Hastings College of the Law, 100 McAllister Street, in San Francisco.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, October 7, 2009.

September 24
2009
Water Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Water Governance
Thursday, September 24, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Past Efforts to Combine the CVP with the SWP: History & Next Steps 

  1. Don Glaser, Regional Director, Mid-Pacific Region, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 
     

State Water Project: Governance outside Department of Water Resources

  1. Sarah Bates, Senior Associate, Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Policy, University of Montana (Written Testimony)
     

Integrated Water Management: Incentivizing Coordination and Implementation

  1. Mark Cowin, Deputy Director,  Integrated Water Management, Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)


Irrigation Efficiency Program: A Model for 21st Century Water Governance

  1. Jason Peltier, Chief Deputy General Manager, Westland Water District 
    ​​​​​​​

Effective Water Governance, Planning and Implementation: A How to Guide

  1. Richard Roos-Collins, Director of Legal Services, Natural Heritage Institute (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Dean Misczynski, Retired Director, California Research Bureau
    ​​​​​​​

Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, September 24, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will discuss governance options past and present for the merging of the federal Central Valley Project and State Water Project, potential separation of the State Water Project from the Department of Water Resources, statewide integrated water planning efforts, irrigation efficiency projects and any legal and economic barriers that exist.

The Commission will hear from a regional director of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on past efforts to combine the state and federal water projects under state control. The Commission also will hear about the findings of recent research into the separation of the State Water Project from DWR. A water expert and researcher from Montana who has been studying this possibility and governance models will present her work. Following that, a DWR official in integrated water management will discuss regional coordination. The chief deputy general manager of Westlands Water District will discuss governance models and efficient water management. The director of legal services for the Natural Heritage Institute will discuss effective governance. Finally, the Commission will hear from a retired longtime director of the California Research Bureau on the economic side of reforming California’s water governance.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. A business meeting will follow the hearing.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 17, 2009.

September 23
2009
Water Governance
1:30 p.m., Library and Courts II Building, Room 340, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water governance on September 23, 2009. A water governance expert will present the findings of recent research on governance models, as the Commission explores, among other topics, what benefits would be gained, if any, through separating the State Water Project from the California Department of Water Resources. Advisory committee members representing different water perspectives will participate in the discussion. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Room 340 of the Library and Courts II Building, 900 N Street, Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, September 16, 2009.

August 18
2009
Water Governance
9:30 a.m., Library and Courts II Building, Room 340, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water rights on August 18, 2009. Water rights experts representing state agencies, water conveyors and users, environmental organizations and other areas will discuss the history and current issues within California water rights permitting processes. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 340 of the Library and Courts II Building, 900 N Street, Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, August 11, 2009.

June 30
2009
Water Governance
1:30 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

Two subcommittees of the Little Hoover Commission will meet on June 30, 2009. The Infrastructure Policy and Finance Subcommittee will meet at 9 a.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. The meeting will highlight centers of excellence developed by British Columbia and Ontario to implement and oversee publicprivate partnerships, featuring representatives of Partnerships British Columbia and Infrastructure Ontario, as well as California economic development and infrastructure officials.

The Water Governance Subcommittee will meet at 1:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. The meeting will serve as a briefing on water rights by representatives of the State Water Resources Control Board and the Department of Water Resources and will address California’s water rights permitting processes.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, June 23, 2009.

June 25
2009
Water Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 113, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Water Governance
Thursday, June 25, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 113 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Water Management in California: Today's Structure, Future Needs

  1. Lester Snow, Director, California Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
     

Federal Perspective: Central Valley Project and Water Management in California

  1. Ron Milligan, Operations Manager, Central Valley Operations Office, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Written Testimony)
     

Water Management from a User's Perspective and Other Agencies' Roles

  1. Roger Patterson, Assistant General Manager – Strategic Water Initiatives, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Written Testimony)


Arizona Model

  1. Sandra Fabritz-Whitney, Assistant Director, Water Management Division, Arizona Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Sid Wilson, General Manager, retired, Central Arizona Project (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Utah Model

  1. Dennis Strong, Director, Utah Division of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, June 25, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 113 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will learn about the models and practices used in California and other western U.S. states.

The Commission will hear an overview of California’s water governance structure and the responsibilities and roles of the Department of Water Resources from the department’s director. The operations manager for the Central Valley Operations Office of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will discuss the federal water system in California and its role in water governance and delivery. An assistant general manager for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will discuss California’s water supply system from a user’s standpoint and will share experiences in other states and at the federal level, based on his previous professional experience. The Commission will learn about the model and practices used in Arizona from the assistant director of the Water Management Division of the Arizona Department of Water Resources and from the recently retired general manager of the Central Arizona Project. Finally, the director of the Utah Division of Water Resources will outline the history and methods of water management in Utah.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

The Commission also will conduct business meetings on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, and on Thursday, following the hearing. The meeting on Wednesday will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Room 127 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, June 18, 2009.

April 23
2009
Water Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Water Governance
Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Overview of Current Water Landscape and Issues

  1. Jay Lund, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis (Written Testimony)
     

The Delta Experience: Larger Lessons for Water Governance

  1. Phillip Isenberg, Chair, Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force (Written Testimony)
     

Improving Transparency and Accountability, Contractors’ Perspectives

  1. Laura King Moon, Assistant General Manager, State Water Contractors (Written Testimony)


Balancing Environmental Needs; Ensuring Public Interest Role

  1. Cynthia Koehler, Senior Consulting Attorney, Land, Water & Wildlife Program, Environmental Defense Fund (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Envisioning a Different Future

  1. Jonas Minton, Water Policy Advisor, The Planning and Conservation League (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 09, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, April 23, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will learn about the current conditions surrounding the state’s water supply, its management and issues related to it. The Commission will hear an overview from a professor of civil and environmental engineering at UC Davis. The chair of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force will speak on lessons for water governance that stem from its two-year Delta study. The assistant general manager for the nonprofit organization State Water Contractors will discuss transparency and accountability. A senior consulting attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund will discuss balancing environmental needs and ensuring the role of public interest. Finally, a water policy advisor with the Planning and Conservation League will look ahead to future management of water resources.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold its business meeting. 

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, April 16, 2009.

Print Agenda
  • May 26
    2010
    Water Governance
    3:00 p.m., Library and Courts Building II, Room 353, 900 N Street,
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 13, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Wednesday, May 26, 2010, the Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a meeting beginning at 3 p.m. in Room 301 of the Library and Courts Building II, 900 N Street, in Sacramento. The subcommittee will discuss a draft of its report on governance and management of the state’s water supply.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, May 19, 2010.

  • January 28
    2010
    Water Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Water Governance
    Thursday, January 28, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Adaptive Statewide Water Planning & Management

    1. Elizabeth Ann Rieke, Senior Consultant, Resources Legacy Fund (Written Testimony)
       

    Improving Water Use Efficiency: Market and Regulation Approaches

    1. Richard Howitt, Chair, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Byron Buck, Executive Director, Federal-State Water Contractors Agency (Written Testimony)
       

    Effective Water Storage and Conveyance: Above & Below Ground

    1. Jonathan Parker, General Manager, Kern Water Bank Authority (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Maurice Hall, Senior Hydrologist, California Water Program, The Nature Conservancy (Written Testimony)


    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    January 14, 2010

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, January 28, 2010, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will discuss future water governance, water use efficiency, groundwater management and storage, and strategies for streamlining the water transfer process.

    The Commission will hear from a senior consultant with the Resources Legacy Fund on water planning and management. A panel of two participants will discuss using markets and regulation for efficient water use. That panel will include a University of California, Davis, professor and chair and the executive director of the State and Federal Water Contractors Agency. Finally, a second panel will discuss water storage and conveyance, including groundwater options. That panel will include the general manager of the Kern Water Bank Authority and a senior hydrologist with the California Water Program of The Nature Conservancy.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. A business meeting will follow the hearing.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, January 21, 2010.

  • January 27
    2010
    Water Governance
    3:00 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    December 24, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water transfers on January 27, 2010. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    Several participants will discuss water transfers, possible state strategies and methods for creating an effective water market. The Commission is studying California water governance and will explore recommendations for a range of policy areas and governance related to the management of the state’s water.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, January 20, 2010

  • January 13
    2010
    Water Governance
    1:00 p.m., Library and Courts Building II, Room 353, 900 N Street,
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    December 24, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet on January 13, 2010. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. in Room 353 of the Library and Courts Building II, 900 N Street in Sacramento.

    The subcommittee members will discuss the status of the Commission’s study on water governance, ahead of the Commission’s fourth and final hearing, set for January 28, 2010. The Commission is exploring recommendations for a range of policy areas and governance related to the management of the state’s water.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, January 6, 2010.

  • November 18
    2009
    Water Governance
    1:30 p.m., State Capitol, Room 125, Sacramento, CA
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Advisory Committee Meeting on Water Governance
    Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
    State Capitol, Room 125
    Sacramento, CA


    Meeting Goals: Discuss water conservation & efficiency to identify existing governance issues.

    1:30 – 1:45

    Welcome and Opening Remarks
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director, Little Hoover Commission

    Identify Commission Study Process & Advisory Committee Role

    Introductions – All

    1:45 – 3:30

    Developing a water conservation strategy and governance model for the future.

    • How can the state improve its conservation strategies and how much can leaders reasonably expect to gain from conservation efforts? Where in government should such efforts be located? Why?
       
    • What incentives can be used to get urban areas and agricultural water users to reduce the amount of water they use?
       
    • Should conservation policy be geared toward a regulatory or market-based approach, or both?
       
    • How could a coordinated approach to water conservation be successful statewide for both agricultural and urban conservation efforts?
       
    • How can DWR’s Integrated Regional Water Management Planning process be enhanced to better incorporate urban and agricultural efficiency standards?
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 3, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water conservation on November 18, 2009. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Room 125 at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    Several participants will discuss water conservation, possible state strategies and potential water savings. The Commission is studying California water governance and, among other areas, will explore recommendations for conservation as part of a broader discussion of the management of the state’s water.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

  • October 14
    2009
    Water Governance
    1:30 p.m., Skyroom North, University of California Hastings College
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 30, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene a public meeting on water rights and water quality on October 14, 2009. Experts will discuss the nexus between water rights and water quality in California. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Skyroom North at the University of California Hastings College of the Law, 100 McAllister Street, in San Francisco.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, October 7, 2009.

  • September 24
    2009
    Water Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Water Governance
    Thursday, September 24, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Past Efforts to Combine the CVP with the SWP: History & Next Steps 

    1. Don Glaser, Regional Director, Mid-Pacific Region, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 
       

    State Water Project: Governance outside Department of Water Resources

    1. Sarah Bates, Senior Associate, Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Policy, University of Montana (Written Testimony)
       

    Integrated Water Management: Incentivizing Coordination and Implementation

    1. Mark Cowin, Deputy Director,  Integrated Water Management, Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)


    Irrigation Efficiency Program: A Model for 21st Century Water Governance

    1. Jason Peltier, Chief Deputy General Manager, Westland Water District 
      ​​​​​​​

    Effective Water Governance, Planning and Implementation: A How to Guide

    1. Richard Roos-Collins, Director of Legal Services, Natural Heritage Institute (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Dean Misczynski, Retired Director, California Research Bureau
      ​​​​​​​

    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 10, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, September 24, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will discuss governance options past and present for the merging of the federal Central Valley Project and State Water Project, potential separation of the State Water Project from the Department of Water Resources, statewide integrated water planning efforts, irrigation efficiency projects and any legal and economic barriers that exist.

    The Commission will hear from a regional director of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on past efforts to combine the state and federal water projects under state control. The Commission also will hear about the findings of recent research into the separation of the State Water Project from DWR. A water expert and researcher from Montana who has been studying this possibility and governance models will present her work. Following that, a DWR official in integrated water management will discuss regional coordination. The chief deputy general manager of Westlands Water District will discuss governance models and efficient water management. The director of legal services for the Natural Heritage Institute will discuss effective governance. Finally, the Commission will hear from a retired longtime director of the California Research Bureau on the economic side of reforming California’s water governance.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. A business meeting will follow the hearing.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 17, 2009.

  • September 23
    2009
    Water Governance
    1:30 p.m., Library and Courts II Building, Room 340, 900 N Street,
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 9, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water governance on September 23, 2009. A water governance expert will present the findings of recent research on governance models, as the Commission explores, among other topics, what benefits would be gained, if any, through separating the State Water Project from the California Department of Water Resources. Advisory committee members representing different water perspectives will participate in the discussion. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Room 340 of the Library and Courts II Building, 900 N Street, Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, September 16, 2009.

  • August 18
    2009
    Water Governance
    9:30 a.m., Library and Courts II Building, Room 340, 900 N Street,
    Advisory Committee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    August 4, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water rights on August 18, 2009. Water rights experts representing state agencies, water conveyors and users, environmental organizations and other areas will discuss the history and current issues within California water rights permitting processes. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 340 of the Library and Courts II Building, 900 N Street, Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, August 11, 2009.

  • June 30
    2009
    Water Governance
    1:30 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 16, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    Two subcommittees of the Little Hoover Commission will meet on June 30, 2009. The Infrastructure Policy and Finance Subcommittee will meet at 9 a.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. The meeting will highlight centers of excellence developed by British Columbia and Ontario to implement and oversee publicprivate partnerships, featuring representatives of Partnerships British Columbia and Infrastructure Ontario, as well as California economic development and infrastructure officials.

    The Water Governance Subcommittee will meet at 1:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. The meeting will serve as a briefing on water rights by representatives of the State Water Resources Control Board and the Department of Water Resources and will address California’s water rights permitting processes.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, June 23, 2009.

  • June 25
    2009
    Water Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 113, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Water Governance
    Thursday, June 25, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 113 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Water Management in California: Today's Structure, Future Needs

    1. Lester Snow, Director, California Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
       

    Federal Perspective: Central Valley Project and Water Management in California

    1. Ron Milligan, Operations Manager, Central Valley Operations Office, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Written Testimony)
       

    Water Management from a User's Perspective and Other Agencies' Roles

    1. Roger Patterson, Assistant General Manager – Strategic Water Initiatives, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Written Testimony)


    Arizona Model

    1. Sandra Fabritz-Whitney, Assistant Director, Water Management Division, Arizona Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Sid Wilson, General Manager, retired, Central Arizona Project (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Utah Model

    1. Dennis Strong, Director, Utah Division of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 23, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, June 25, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 113 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will learn about the models and practices used in California and other western U.S. states.

    The Commission will hear an overview of California’s water governance structure and the responsibilities and roles of the Department of Water Resources from the department’s director. The operations manager for the Central Valley Operations Office of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will discuss the federal water system in California and its role in water governance and delivery. An assistant general manager for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will discuss California’s water supply system from a user’s standpoint and will share experiences in other states and at the federal level, based on his previous professional experience. The Commission will learn about the model and practices used in Arizona from the assistant director of the Water Management Division of the Arizona Department of Water Resources and from the recently retired general manager of the Central Arizona Project. Finally, the director of the Utah Division of Water Resources will outline the history and methods of water management in Utah.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    The Commission also will conduct business meetings on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, and on Thursday, following the hearing. The meeting on Wednesday will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Room 127 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, June 18, 2009.

  • April 23
    2009
    Water Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Water Governance
    Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. 
    State Capitol, Room 437 
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Overview of Current Water Landscape and Issues

    1. Jay Lund, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis (Written Testimony)
       

    The Delta Experience: Larger Lessons for Water Governance

    1. Phillip Isenberg, Chair, Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force (Written Testimony)
       

    Improving Transparency and Accountability, Contractors’ Perspectives

    1. Laura King Moon, Assistant General Manager, State Water Contractors (Written Testimony)


    Balancing Environmental Needs; Ensuring Public Interest Role

    1. Cynthia Koehler, Senior Consulting Attorney, Land, Water & Wildlife Program, Environmental Defense Fund (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Envisioning a Different Future

    1. Jonas Minton, Water Policy Advisor, The Planning and Conservation League (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 09, 2009

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, April 23, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will learn about the current conditions surrounding the state’s water supply, its management and issues related to it. The Commission will hear an overview from a professor of civil and environmental engineering at UC Davis. The chair of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force will speak on lessons for water governance that stem from its two-year Delta study. The assistant general manager for the nonprofit organization State Water Contractors will discuss transparency and accountability. A senior consulting attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund will discuss balancing environmental needs and ensuring the role of public interest. Finally, a water policy advisor with the Planning and Conservation League will look ahead to future management of water resources.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold its business meeting. 

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, April 16, 2009.

May 26
2010
Water Governance
3:00 p.m., Library and Courts Building II, Room 353, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Wednesday, May 26, 2010, the Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a meeting beginning at 3 p.m. in Room 301 of the Library and Courts Building II, 900 N Street, in Sacramento. The subcommittee will discuss a draft of its report on governance and management of the state’s water supply.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, May 19, 2010.

January 28
2010
Water Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Water Governance
Thursday, January 28, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Adaptive Statewide Water Planning & Management

  1. Elizabeth Ann Rieke, Senior Consultant, Resources Legacy Fund (Written Testimony)
     

Improving Water Use Efficiency: Market and Regulation Approaches

  1. Richard Howitt, Chair, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Byron Buck, Executive Director, Federal-State Water Contractors Agency (Written Testimony)
     

Effective Water Storage and Conveyance: Above & Below Ground

  1. Jonathan Parker, General Manager, Kern Water Bank Authority (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Maurice Hall, Senior Hydrologist, California Water Program, The Nature Conservancy (Written Testimony)


Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2010

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, January 28, 2010, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will discuss future water governance, water use efficiency, groundwater management and storage, and strategies for streamlining the water transfer process.

The Commission will hear from a senior consultant with the Resources Legacy Fund on water planning and management. A panel of two participants will discuss using markets and regulation for efficient water use. That panel will include a University of California, Davis, professor and chair and the executive director of the State and Federal Water Contractors Agency. Finally, a second panel will discuss water storage and conveyance, including groundwater options. That panel will include the general manager of the Kern Water Bank Authority and a senior hydrologist with the California Water Program of The Nature Conservancy.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. A business meeting will follow the hearing.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, January 21, 2010.

January 27
2010
Water Governance
3:00 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 24, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water transfers on January 27, 2010. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

Several participants will discuss water transfers, possible state strategies and methods for creating an effective water market. The Commission is studying California water governance and will explore recommendations for a range of policy areas and governance related to the management of the state’s water.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, January 20, 2010

January 13
2010
Water Governance
1:00 p.m., Library and Courts Building II, Room 353, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 24, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will meet on January 13, 2010. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. in Room 353 of the Library and Courts Building II, 900 N Street in Sacramento.

The subcommittee members will discuss the status of the Commission’s study on water governance, ahead of the Commission’s fourth and final hearing, set for January 28, 2010. The Commission is exploring recommendations for a range of policy areas and governance related to the management of the state’s water.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, January 6, 2010.

November 18
2009
Water Governance
1:30 p.m., State Capitol, Room 125, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda

AGENDA

Advisory Committee Meeting on Water Governance
Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
State Capitol, Room 125
Sacramento, CA


Meeting Goals: Discuss water conservation & efficiency to identify existing governance issues.

1:30 – 1:45

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Stuart Drown, Executive Director, Little Hoover Commission

Identify Commission Study Process & Advisory Committee Role

Introductions – All

1:45 – 3:30

Developing a water conservation strategy and governance model for the future.

  • How can the state improve its conservation strategies and how much can leaders reasonably expect to gain from conservation efforts? Where in government should such efforts be located? Why?
     
  • What incentives can be used to get urban areas and agricultural water users to reduce the amount of water they use?
     
  • Should conservation policy be geared toward a regulatory or market-based approach, or both?
     
  • How could a coordinated approach to water conservation be successful statewide for both agricultural and urban conservation efforts?
     
  • How can DWR’s Integrated Regional Water Management Planning process be enhanced to better incorporate urban and agricultural efficiency standards?
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water conservation on November 18, 2009. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Room 125 at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

Several participants will discuss water conservation, possible state strategies and potential water savings. The Commission is studying California water governance and, among other areas, will explore recommendations for conservation as part of a broader discussion of the management of the state’s water.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

October 14
2009
Water Governance
1:30 p.m., Skyroom North, University of California Hastings College of the Law, 100 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene a public meeting on water rights and water quality on October 14, 2009. Experts will discuss the nexus between water rights and water quality in California. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Skyroom North at the University of California Hastings College of the Law, 100 McAllister Street, in San Francisco.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, October 7, 2009.

September 24
2009
Water Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Water Governance
Thursday, September 24, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Past Efforts to Combine the CVP with the SWP: History & Next Steps 

  1. Don Glaser, Regional Director, Mid-Pacific Region, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 
     

State Water Project: Governance outside Department of Water Resources

  1. Sarah Bates, Senior Associate, Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Policy, University of Montana (Written Testimony)
     

Integrated Water Management: Incentivizing Coordination and Implementation

  1. Mark Cowin, Deputy Director,  Integrated Water Management, Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)


Irrigation Efficiency Program: A Model for 21st Century Water Governance

  1. Jason Peltier, Chief Deputy General Manager, Westland Water District 
    ​​​​​​​

Effective Water Governance, Planning and Implementation: A How to Guide

  1. Richard Roos-Collins, Director of Legal Services, Natural Heritage Institute (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Dean Misczynski, Retired Director, California Research Bureau
    ​​​​​​​

Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, September 24, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will discuss governance options past and present for the merging of the federal Central Valley Project and State Water Project, potential separation of the State Water Project from the Department of Water Resources, statewide integrated water planning efforts, irrigation efficiency projects and any legal and economic barriers that exist.

The Commission will hear from a regional director of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on past efforts to combine the state and federal water projects under state control. The Commission also will hear about the findings of recent research into the separation of the State Water Project from DWR. A water expert and researcher from Montana who has been studying this possibility and governance models will present her work. Following that, a DWR official in integrated water management will discuss regional coordination. The chief deputy general manager of Westlands Water District will discuss governance models and efficient water management. The director of legal services for the Natural Heritage Institute will discuss effective governance. Finally, the Commission will hear from a retired longtime director of the California Research Bureau on the economic side of reforming California’s water governance.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. A business meeting will follow the hearing.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 17, 2009.

September 23
2009
Water Governance
1:30 p.m., Library and Courts II Building, Room 340, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water governance on September 23, 2009. A water governance expert will present the findings of recent research on governance models, as the Commission explores, among other topics, what benefits would be gained, if any, through separating the State Water Project from the California Department of Water Resources. Advisory committee members representing different water perspectives will participate in the discussion. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Room 340 of the Library and Courts II Building, 900 N Street, Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Wednesday, September 16, 2009.

August 18
2009
Water Governance
9:30 a.m., Library and Courts II Building, Room 340, 900 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Water Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will convene an advisory committee meeting on water rights on August 18, 2009. Water rights experts representing state agencies, water conveyors and users, environmental organizations and other areas will discuss the history and current issues within California water rights permitting processes. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 340 of the Library and Courts II Building, 900 N Street, Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, August 11, 2009.

June 30
2009
Water Governance
1:30 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

Two subcommittees of the Little Hoover Commission will meet on June 30, 2009. The Infrastructure Policy and Finance Subcommittee will meet at 9 a.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. The meeting will highlight centers of excellence developed by British Columbia and Ontario to implement and oversee publicprivate partnerships, featuring representatives of Partnerships British Columbia and Infrastructure Ontario, as well as California economic development and infrastructure officials.

The Water Governance Subcommittee will meet at 1:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. The meeting will serve as a briefing on water rights by representatives of the State Water Resources Control Board and the Department of Water Resources and will address California’s water rights permitting processes.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, June 23, 2009.

June 25
2009
Water Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 113, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Water Governance
Thursday, June 25, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 113 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Water Management in California: Today's Structure, Future Needs

  1. Lester Snow, Director, California Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
     

Federal Perspective: Central Valley Project and Water Management in California

  1. Ron Milligan, Operations Manager, Central Valley Operations Office, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Written Testimony)
     

Water Management from a User's Perspective and Other Agencies' Roles

  1. Roger Patterson, Assistant General Manager – Strategic Water Initiatives, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Written Testimony)


Arizona Model

  1. Sandra Fabritz-Whitney, Assistant Director, Water Management Division, Arizona Department of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Sid Wilson, General Manager, retired, Central Arizona Project (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Utah Model

  1. Dennis Strong, Director, Utah Division of Water Resources (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, June 25, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 113 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will learn about the models and practices used in California and other western U.S. states.

The Commission will hear an overview of California’s water governance structure and the responsibilities and roles of the Department of Water Resources from the department’s director. The operations manager for the Central Valley Operations Office of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will discuss the federal water system in California and its role in water governance and delivery. An assistant general manager for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will discuss California’s water supply system from a user’s standpoint and will share experiences in other states and at the federal level, based on his previous professional experience. The Commission will learn about the model and practices used in Arizona from the assistant director of the Water Management Division of the Arizona Department of Water Resources and from the recently retired general manager of the Central Arizona Project. Finally, the director of the Utah Division of Water Resources will outline the history and methods of water management in Utah.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

The Commission also will conduct business meetings on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, and on Thursday, following the hearing. The meeting on Wednesday will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Room 127 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, June 18, 2009.

April 23
2009
Water Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Water Governance
Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. 
State Capitol, Room 437 
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Overview of Current Water Landscape and Issues

  1. Jay Lund, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis (Written Testimony)
     

The Delta Experience: Larger Lessons for Water Governance

  1. Phillip Isenberg, Chair, Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force (Written Testimony)
     

Improving Transparency and Accountability, Contractors’ Perspectives

  1. Laura King Moon, Assistant General Manager, State Water Contractors (Written Testimony)


Balancing Environmental Needs; Ensuring Public Interest Role

  1. Cynthia Koehler, Senior Consulting Attorney, Land, Water & Wildlife Program, Environmental Defense Fund (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Envisioning a Different Future

  1. Jonas Minton, Water Policy Advisor, The Planning and Conservation League (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 09, 2009

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, April 23, 2009, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on water governance. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

In this study, the Commission is examining the management and governance of California’s water supply. At this hearing, the Commission will learn about the current conditions surrounding the state’s water supply, its management and issues related to it. The Commission will hear an overview from a professor of civil and environmental engineering at UC Davis. The chair of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force will speak on lessons for water governance that stem from its two-year Delta study. The assistant general manager for the nonprofit organization State Water Contractors will discuss transparency and accountability. A senior consulting attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund will discuss balancing environmental needs and ensuring the role of public interest. Finally, a water policy advisor with the Planning and Conservation League will look ahead to future management of water resources.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments.

Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold its business meeting. 

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, April 16, 2009.