AB 1253 bill analysis out, cost estimated at $50,000 with no mention of pumping study

May 19, 2009 -- The Assembly Appropriations Committee has released its analysis of the current version of AB 1253. The review of predation studies recommended by the bill is estimated to cost the Cal-Fed Bay Delta Program an additional $50,000. No cost has been projected for the cost of the studies involving impact to delta fisheries by the pumping process. The analysis states, "Despite the input of certain academic experts in the field of fisheries management, in general, and Delta fisheries in particular, the author and the sponsors of the bill, including Metropolitan Water District and Modesto Irrigation District, feel that striped bass are a threat to native fisheries and prey on a variety of native fish." Click here for the complete analysis.