In a recent meeting of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation, critical discussions emerged surrounding economic support for counties affected by agricultural curtailments and dam safety concerns.

Assemblymember Connolly raised an important question about the economic impact of stream restoration projects, particularly in counties like Siskiyou. While the State Water Resource Control Board acknowledged the lack of direct funding programs, they highlighted ongoing financial support from the Department of Fish and Wildlife aimed at enhancing watershed health. This includes investments in telemetry and water metering to assist growers facing economic challenges due to regulatory demands.

The conversation then shifted to dam safety, with Connolly inquiring about the number of dams classified as having extremely high potential downstream impacts. This topic underscores the state's commitment to ensuring public safety and managing risks associated with aging infrastructure.

These discussions reflect California's ongoing efforts to balance environmental restoration with economic stability and public safety, signaling a proactive approach to addressing the state's pressing challenges. The subcommittee's work will continue to shape policies that impact both the environment and local economies in the coming years.