Governor appoints Water Authority board member Bill Knutson to Colorado River Board

May 25, 2007

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed San Diego County Water Authority board member Bill Knutson to the Colorado River Board of California…

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed San Diego County Water Authority board member Bill Knutson to the Colorado River Board of California as the Water Authority’s representative on the board.

The Colorado River Board was established in 1937 by state law to protect California’s rights and interests in the resources provided by the Colorado River and to represent California in discussions and negotiations regarding the Colorado River and its management. California representatives on the Colorado River Board serve at the pleasure of the governor.

“San Diego County and all of Southern California depend on the Colorado River for much of our water and power, so it is important that we have a voice in how the river is managed,” said Knutson “This is a tremdous responsibility, and I look forward to representing our region on this board.”

“As we face continued drought conditions on the Colorado, it is even more critical that all who depend on the river work together to manage this precious resource,” said Saunders, who will serve as the Water Authority’s alternate representative.

W. D. “Bill” Knutson”ÂBill Knutson, 77, of Pauma Valley, was appointed to the Water Authority Board of Directors in July 2000. He currently serves as vice chairman of the Water Authority’s Imported Water Committee and is a member of the Engineering and Operations and Colorado River Programs committees. He has served as a director of the Yuima Municipal Water District since 1998. Knutson replaces James Bond, Water Authority board member from Encinitas, on the Colorado River Board.

Knutson previously was the special assistant to the A- 12 program manager for General Dynamics from 1990 to 1992 and a manager for Hughes Aircraft Company from 1976 to 1989. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1976.

Javier Saunders”ÂJavier Saunders, 48, representing the city of San Diego, was appointed to the Water Authority board of directors in January 2002. He currently serves as vice chairman of the Water Authority’s Water Planning Committee and is a member of the Administrative and Finance and Colorado River Programs committees.

He has served as the regional manager for the construction and engineering firm, Harris & Associates, since 2003. Saunders previously was assistant director of engineering for the San Diego Unified Port District from 1997 to 2003. He also served as senior engineer for the city of San Diego Public Works from 1981 to 1997. Saunders currently serves as chair of the San Diego Council of Water Utilities.

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  • The San Diego County Water Authority sustains a $268 billion regional economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents through a multi-decade water supply diversification plan, major infrastructure investments and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility. A public agency created in 1944, the Water Authority delivers wholesale water supplies to 23 retail water providers, including cities, special districts and a military base.

    Media Contact Information

    Jordan Beane

    Phone: (858) 221-3975

    Email: jbeane@sdcwa.org