Office of Emergency Services: state matching funds: water system infrastructure improvements.
Impact
The passage of AB 372 is contingent on funding appropriations through a bond act approved by voters. If enacted, the state would be tasked with developing criteria and a scoring methodology to prioritize financial support for water infrastructure improvements, such as upgrading waterlines and installing fire hydrants. This legislation recognizes the dire need for updated infrastructure to mitigate the severe consequences of wildfires, which have devastated numerous communities in recent years, leading to substantial economic and environmental damage.
Summary
Assembly Bill 372, introduced by Assembly Member Bennett, aims to establish the Rural Water Infrastructure for Wildfire Resilience Program within the Office of Emergency Services (OES). The program is intended to distribute state matching funds to rural communities located in high and very high fire hazard severity zones. The primary objective is to enhance water system infrastructure essential for fire suppression and response capabilities, thereby addressing the pressing issues posed by wildfire risks in California's rural areas.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding AB 372 appears to reflect a general consensus on the necessity of improved wildfire resilience measures. Proponents emphasize the urgency of investing in water infrastructure to protect vulnerable rural communities, highlighting that many households are situated in high-risk fire zones. While the bill enjoys support from those advocating for stronger state involvement in local disaster preparedness, there may exist concerns regarding the actualization of funding and the bureaucratic processes involved in distributing these funds effectively.
Contention
One notable point of contention regarding AB 372 is its reliance on bond funding, which necessitates voter approval in a future election. Critics may argue about the sustainability of such funding mechanisms and whether they sufficiently address the ongoing infrastructure needs of rural communities. Furthermore, as the bill mandates coordination with several state agencies, the efficiency of this collaboration could be questioned, particularly in terms of timely execution of planned improvements crucial for wildfire response.
Water: Urban Water Community Drought Relief program: Small Community Drought Relief program: high fire hazard and very high fire hazard severity zones.