THAT’S DEBATABLE:

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently declared a statewide drought but stopped short of calling it a water emergency. State officials, though, say it could be a first step toward large-scale rationing if the shortage does not improve. The governor suggests borrowing $11.9 billion for new projects such as reservoirs, river restoration and water-quality improvement. He wants to put a plan like it on the November ballot. Is that a good strategy to deal with the shortage? If not, what are your suggestions?

The state needs more water, and no amount of conservation can offset California’s expected population growth. We need a comprehensive plan for the state’s long-term water needs.

The most important actions are to build a peripheral canal and fortify the delta against earthquakes This will guarantee a reliable and safe water supply for years.

Any bond carries costs, but the state needs to keep the water flowing. An earthquake in the delta region could cripple our water supply, costing more than $11 billion. While I have yet to see the governor’s specific proposal, I am encouraged by his initiative to take the lead.

Tom Harman

State Senator

California has water — it just needs to be stored and conveyed to where it is needed. The problem is that anti-growth environmental groups for decades have prevented the construction of new dams or canals. They know that if you stop California’s water, you stop California’s growth.

They oppose the governor’s plan, although it is heavy on environmental pork that does not help our water needs. As our state’s credit card is maxed out, the plan relies on too much public borrowing. New water projects should largely be funded with private capital, with the water users repaying the debt.

Chuck DeVore

Assemblyman

California’s population has grown to 38 million, but for 40 years we have not rebuilt our infrastructure in water. Californians need and deserve more water storage, but not more debt or borrowing.

I support building more water reservoirs and a new water delivery system around the delta. However, this should be a priority of our state’s general fund and not a new reason to saddle our children with debt.

We have pushed groundwater and other conservational methods to its limit. If we continue to hold off on taking preventive measures such as reservoirs, we leave ourselves vulnerable to long drought periods and high flood peaks.

Van Tran

Assemblyman