"Water March" held in California to highlight water crisis

Apr 17, 2009      English News Service

LOS ANGELES, Apr. 17, 2009 (Xinhua News Agency delivered by Newstex) -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined thousands of Californians in the "March for Water Rally" on Friday to draw attention to California's water crisis.

At its final stop at the San Luis Reservoir in Central California, the governor said the five-day march stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive solution that increases storage, improves conveyance, protects the region's ecosystem and promotes greater water conservation.

"This march is about opening our eyes to the reality of California's water crisis -- and the reality is that farmers do not have a reliable water supply they can count on, farm workers fear losing their jobs because crops are not being planted, and in towns across the Central Valley, unemployment is skyrocketing," said Schwarzenegger.

"I am determined to getting a comprehensive solution done once and for all that will update our water infrastructure, increase our water storage and restore our Delta."

The march was joined by farm workers, farmers, mayors, students, business owners and civic leaders.

The lack of water has forced California farmers to abandon or leave unplanted more than 100,000 acres of agricultural land.

With California farmers providing nearly half of the fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables consumed by Americans, the crop losses caused by the drought will adversely impact families and economies throughout California and beyond its borders.

Agricultural revenue losses exceed 300 million U.S. dollars to date and additional losses of up to 477 million dollars are projected this season. Total income losses to farmers and other businesses involved in crop production could reach 644 million dollars this year.

In February, Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency due to drought conditions statewide and ordered immediate action to manage the crisis. In the proclamation, the governor exerted his executive authority to direct all state government agencies to utilize their resources, implement a state emergency plan and provide assistance for people, communities and businesses impacted by the drought.

Newstex ID: XIN-0001-34222429

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