SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation to provide immediate relief to drought-stricken communities.
With his signing Saturday, more than $687 million will fund communities running low on drinking water and farming communities where fallowed fields are leading to sky-high unemployment.
The plan redirects money in the state budget and draws from two bonds previously approved by voters.
It includes $472 million in accelerated grant funding for water conservation and recycling projects. Another $15 million will fund housing and food for workers directly affected by the drought.
California lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the plan on Thursday.
Brown said in a statement that the legislation marks a crucial step, but Californians must continue to take every action possible to conserve water.
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