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Environment

Obama Signs Bill For California Drought

Motorists pass a sign on Highway 50 in Sacramento County's Rancho Cordova reminding them to reduce water use due to the statewide drought, April 2, 2015.
Associated Press
Motorists pass a sign on Highway 50 in Sacramento County's Rancho Cordova reminding them to reduce water use due to the statewide drought, April 2, 2015.

President Barack Obama has signed a bill authorizing water projects across the country, including $558 million to provide relief to drought-stricken California.

Obama said Friday the bill advances vital projects across the country to restore watersheds, improve flood control and rebuild water infrastructure.

KPBS Drought Tracker Update: Warm Temps Keeping Snowpack Thin

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That includes pipes in Flint, Michigan, where residents have struggled with lead-tainted water for more than two years.

Obama said the bill will "help assure that California is more resilient in the face of growing water demands and drought-based uncertainty."

Congress approved the $10 billion measure last week, despite complaints from some Democrats that it was a giveaway to California farmers and businesses. Obama said the law will continue to uphold state water quality standards.