Gov. Schwarzenegger pushes $11B water bond plan

FRIANT, Calif (AP) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a far-reaching water bond intended to restore the ailing estuary at the heart of the state's water system.

Standing against the backdrop of a dwindling Sierra Nevada reservoir, the governor vowed on Monday to mount an all-out campaign to persuade voters that they should approve the $11 billion measure on next November's ballot.

It seeks to increase California's water supply by building new dams and underground storage to save up water in dry years.

Environmentalists and some fiscal conservatives have raised concerns.

Even as other Western states tear down dams to protect native fish species, Schwarzenegger has been a consistent champion for dam construction.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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