California lawmakers have passed an $11 billion overhaul of the state's antiquated water system, ending decades of debate over ways of supplying a soaring population while preserving the fragile environment.
The state Assembly passed a comprehensive package of water bills and the bond measure to fund them before dawn Wednesday. The Senate -- which earlier passed a less costly package - later approved the final version.
The plan calls for restoring the crucial Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. It also provides funding for new dams, groundwater cleanup, conservation and habitat restoration.
Schwarzenegger calls it a historic achievement that will allow California to prosper.
