Media Corner

For Immediate Release
October 01, 2007

New Central MWD Caucus Brings Agencies, Cities Together in Regional Supply Planning

Carson, CA- Central Basin Municipal Water District, in partnership with the Long Beach Water Department, Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, and the City of Compton Municipal Water Department, hosted the first Central MWD Caucus last week at its Carson headquarters.

More than 100 stakeholders attended the event to hear representatives from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) present on issues impacting the region. Debra Man, the Assistant General Manager/Chief Operating Officer for MWD, discussed the State Water Project and the supply forecast. Brian Thomas, Assistant General Manager/Chief Financial Officer, followed her presentation with information on the agency’s long-range financial plan and water rate projections.

Through this regional collaboration, the hosting agencies aim at creating an ongoing network that will help the agencies of the Central Groundwater Basin better represent their stakeholders. By attending these monthly round-table discussions, MWD member agencies will stay informed of the issues being discussed by the MWD Board of Directors, while having the opportunity to provide input.

"MWD plays a vital role in managing and restoring the water supplies of Southern California," said Central Basin Board President Robert Apodaca. "By coming together, we’re ensuring that the interests of the Basin are properly represented there."

"This caucus is not a one-shot deal. This is the beginning of an exciting collaboration," continued Director Apodaca, echoing the sentiments of the partnering agencies. "In critical times like these, it’s not enough that we work on our own individual projects. We must work together in a new and exciting way."

The Central MWD Caucus will be held monthly. Locations, dates and times will be announced each month. For more information about Central Basin’s regional supply planning efforts, please contact us at (310) 436-2652 or visit us online at www.centralbasin.org.