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Cathedral City Council votes to support SB 872, staff to bring legislative policy forward
Summary
Council members approved a letter of support for Senate Bill 872, a proposal to fund State Water Project conveyance repairs and Delta levee improvements, while directing staff to return with a legislative policy to guide future requests.
The Cathedral City City Council voted March 25 to authorize the city manager to sign a letter supporting Senate Bill 872, which would establish long‑term funding for repairs to the State Water Project and Delta levee improvements.
City staff described SB 872 as a proposal that would appropriate $150 million annually over 20 years for State Water Project conveyance repairs and an additional $150 million annually for Delta levee improvements, aimed at restoring capacity lost to land subsidence and reinforcing aging infrastructure. Staff said the Desert Water Agency and Coachella Valley Water District asked the city for support and that adopting a support position would carry no direct fiscal impact for Cathedral City.
Several council members said they wanted more information before automatically signing on to state or regional legislative requests. Council Member Christina Gordon expressed concern that funds authorized through a cap‑and‑invest tiering process could change spending priorities and potentially reduce the amount available for other programs that have benefited Cathedral City, such as affordable housing or local transportation grants. Staff and representatives from regional transportation agencies reported their review found the bill has broad support and that signatures on a letter of support pose minimal direct risk to the city.
Council Member Lamb moved to approve the letter of support; Council Member Gordon seconded. There was no public comment. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. Council asked staff to return over the summer with a legislative engagement policy to give clearer direction on when to support bills and how the city evaluates requests.
SB 872 is sponsored by a state legislator and has drawn support from a broad range of water agencies and a mix of industry and environmental groups, according to staff. Staff said supporting the measure positions Cathedral City to coordinate with regional water partners on measures that affect long‑term water supply reliability.
