MONTEREY, Calif. -- New information on the effort to find a solution to the water woes on the Monterey Peninsula.
Peninsula mayors said they're all for California American Water's proposed desal plant, but there's a catch.
This is one of the most critical times for the Monterey Peninsula, considering it needs to find a new water source soon because of state limitations on the Carmel River, its main water source.
Mayor said there are eight conditions they want Cal-Am to meet, or they won't back the water project.
"This is the most critical issue facing the Monterey Peninsula," said Jason Burnett, mayor of Carmel.
But even though Burnett is all about finding an answer to the water shortage, he's not settling for less to get it.
There are eight conditions he wants Cal-Am to meet before agreeing to its proposed $250-$270 million desal plant project: accept a public contribution of funds to lower the financing cost; agree to a committee that makes the project more transparent; modify the surcharge for financing the project; develop an alternative water source that doesn't involve wells in the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin; and other related technical conditions.
Burnett said the project is environmentally-friendly and has the the clearest financial plan compared to other projects. It's expected to save customers up to $124 million.
"It's substantial savings," he said. "If you imagine it, it's effectively giving each person a check of close to $1,000. That's a big deal."
Burnett said it's a big step to the Peninsula's water woes, but Cal-Am has to make the next move.
"We took a big step forward, but now the ball's in Cal-Am's court. They need to show that they are coming into compliance with these conditions," Burnett said.
Cal-Am's spokesperson Catherine Bowie said Friday the company isn't ready to give a response yet. She said the board will meet next Friday to discuss the conditions.
