Outline sheds new light on Brown's $6-billion water bond plan

Gov. Jerry Browns proposal for a pared-down $6-billion water bond would include $1.5 billion for water quality projects such as groundwater cleanup and $1.5 billion for watershed protection, according to an outline provided to stakeholders.

An administration source said negotiations surrounding the water bond remain fluid. But the framework sheds new light on how Brown proposes divvying up funding for the myriad water infrastructure projects that a new bond would finance.

Browns office would not confirm the document. The governor has not commented publicly on the water issue in weeks, although he did meet with legislative leaders Tuesday to convey his desire for a slimmer bond.

According to multiple stakeholders who received the proposal, Browns $6-billion framework would include:

The outline also states that the bond would be neutral regarding the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, the governors controversial proposal to build giant twin tunnels under the Delta to transport water to Central and Southern California.

The $6-billion price tag is significantly lower than that of the $11.1-billion bond on the ballot. Lawmakers are seeking to replace that bond -- which has been widely criticized as laden with earmarks -- with a new plan.

So far the Legislature's proposals have ranged from $8.2 billion to $10.5 billion. The plan must get two-thirds vote in the Legislature and Brown's signature to be placed on the ballot.

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Outline sheds new light on Brown's $6-billion water bond plan