Brown, Democrats closing in on water bond deal

Gov. Jerry Brown and Democratic leaders are closing in on a deal to overhaul a water bond on the November ballot but still need support from Republicans.

Both houses of the Legislature voted Monday to extend the deadline for printing voter pamphlets. That gives lawmakers two more days to finish negotiations and vote.

The draft water package provides money for dams and groundwater cleanup and needs support from two-thirds of the Legislature.

Legislative leaders released a $7 billion bond measure that would appear as Proposition 1 on the November ballot. It provides some funding for dams and other water storage projects, which Republicans have cited as a top priority.

An $11.1 billion bond negotiated in 2009 is on the ballot but is considered too costly and burdened by pet projects.