Drought not just a California problem: Our view The Editorial Board, 12:36 a.m. EDT September 4, 2014 Extreme dry spell threatens food supply, s...

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Drought not just a California problem: Our view The Editorial Board, 12:36 a.m. EDT September 4, 2014 Extreme dry spell threatens food supply, shows need for spending on public works. EDITORIAL090314 "It never rains in California," Albert Hammond sang in the chorus of his 1972 hit single. In recent winters, it doesn't snow much, either. And that's a big problem, not just for the Golden State but for the whole nation. California is in the third year of one of its worst droughts of the past century. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 82% of the state is in extreme or exceptional drought, up from 28% at the beginning of the year. Beyond the obvious risks of wildfires and crop losses, this drought carries lessons about the need for states and localities to prepare for extreme weather and to invest in water resources, just as they need to spend money on roads, bridges, airports and other basic public works. Visit: http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/09/03/drought-california-water-climate-change-infrastructure-editorials-debates/15054041/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=news-opinion