SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Besides producing grapes, a particular vineyard in Sacramento County is playing an important role, said Omuchumme-Hartnell Water District General Manager Mike Wackman, in preparing the greater area for times of drought.

“This field here represents a recharge area,” Wackman said. “So, with the vines being grown out here, we’re able to take water off the Consumer’s River and recharge, and actually flood these fields while the vines go dormant.”

This relatively new way to bank water by storing it underground in farmland is the type of project that will receive significant funding through the passing of Proposition 4.

“It’s a big thing,” Wackman said. “Especially when they’re looking at climate change and those types of things and different ways that we might not have as much snowpack.”

The proposition calls for $10 billion to be borrowed by the state for climate related projects, with the bulk, $3.8 billion, going to water projects for drought resiliency, flooding and water quality among others.

Political experts said the “Yes” vote on Prop 4, garnering 60%, shows strong support by Californians.

A key part to the passing of the proposition, clear details on dollar allocation, said McGeorge School of Law Professor Chris Micheli.

“I think that’s important,” Micheli said. “That’s why the legislature spent more than a year and a half negotiating, not just the amount, but where those dollars are actually going to be spent.” 

Fears the $10 billion amount may be too high for economically minded voters was also a concern.

But issues on climate change and the willingness of California to spend on it, is especially strong, said the Public Policy Institute of California Survey Director Mark Baldassare.

“It gave me a new sense of understanding about where climate preparedness fits in, In terms of people’s priorities in California today,” Baldassare said.

For Wackman, he said he’s glad climate change is prioritized, especially for smaller districts.

“Being a small water district, you have minimum amount of funds in order to do some of this stuff,” Wackman said. “And those types of fundings through the state government and through Prop 4, which should be coming out in this next coming few years, would be very helpful in order for us to expand our projects.”

So, they can keep Mike said, preparing for a changing climate.