Media Corner

For Immediate Release
September 21, 2004

***MEDIA ALERT***

State Officials Address Future of Desalination

What: Assemblymember Ron Calderon will host a hearing for the State Assembly's Select Committee on Water Management, Storage, Conservation and Supply to discuss ocean water desalination's potential and the positive effects it could have on California's water supply reliability needs. Next to the budget crisis and workers compensation reform, water supply concerns were the most debated issues during the past legislative session. With technology lowering the cost of desalination, and the cost of imported water rising, desalination has become a viable option to supplement our water supply. This hearing gives committee members the opportunity to hear input and expert advice from local water officials and legislators on this critical issue and provides a chance to discuss what legislative measures need to be taken in order to bring desalination to forefront of water supply technology.

When: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2004 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: Central Basin Municipal Water District Headquarters
17140 S. Avalon Blvd., Ste. 210
Carson, CA 90746

Who: Assemblymember Ron Calderon will provide the introduction and opening remarks. Lester Snow, Director for the Department of Water Resources, will provide the state perspective on desalination. Ron Gastelum, CEO for Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), and Ernesto A. Avila, Executive Director for Northern California Salinity Coalition will provide the regional perspective on desalination. Also in attendance will be Assemblymembers Gloria Negrete McLeod and Ed Chavez, other key legislators, local elected officials, water agency managers, MWD, Central Basin and West Basin Directors.

Photo Opps: This will be an excellent opportunity to get a photo of California's legislators and water officials in action.