Dodd and McGuire one step closer to securing Clear Lake funding

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Bill Dodd (D-Napa) and Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) announced Thursday that the state legislature’s Budget Conference Committee included $1 million for Clear Lake in their approved state budget for 2015-16. Senator McGuire and Assemblymember Dodd have been collaborating since early this year to secure greater investment in environmental protection and restoration of Clear Lake.

“The approval of this funding by the Budget Conference Committee shows that the legislature recognizes the importance of investing in the protection and restoration of Clear Lake,” said McGuire and Dodd. “We’re now calling on Governor Brown to join the legislature in supporting this amazing state resource.”

If approved by the Governor, the funds will be utilized by Lake County to provide wetland restoration, water quality improvement and to manage invasive species. The funds could also be leveraged with partners to secure additional state and federal grants.

“Clear Lake is truly the jewel of Lake County and both Assemblymember Dodd and I are committed to securing the resources needed to ensure the Lake, and our local economy, thrives in the years to come. We’re thrilled by the agreement to invest $1 million in Clear Lake, however we realize it’s only the first step. We’ll be working overtime at the state level to ensure the funding is approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor,” McGuire said.

“Clear Lake is a unique state treasure and a cornerstone of Lake County’s economy,” said Dodd. “The environmental quality of the lake has been over looked for too long. I am glad we’ve elevated this issue and started the long process to provide the support needed to ensure a vibrant lake for generations to come.”

Clear Lake is home to diverse wildlife and numerous species of fish, including bass, which makes the Lake one of the top bass fishing destinations in the nation. However, over time, Clear Lake has developed a number of serious environmental problems that threaten the fish and wildlife of the lake, diminish drinking water quality and hinder recreational opportunities. If unabated, these issues are likely to persist.

Since being sworn in to office in December, Senator McGuire and Assemblymember Dodd have been working closely together to help address Lake County’s needs.

The $1 million funding for Clear Lake was approved today by the Budget Conference Committee – a joint Assembly and Senate committee. The 2015-16 budget will now move forward to the Senate and Assembly for final approval before the June 15 deadline. It then heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature before the final budget is approved by June 30.