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Proposition 84 seeks voter approval of general obligation bonds in the amount of $5.4 billion. In the past California voters have approved similar bonds for a variety of natural resources issues and water supply and quality projects. Since 1996, $11 billion has been authorized in state bonds for such projects, out of a total of $72 billion in state bonds approved during that period. Of the $11 billion, $1.4 billion remained as of June 2006, with much of that amount already allocated but not yet spent. Prop 84 would continue providing funds for many of these ongoing programs as well as meet future demands. California's investment in infrastructure has not kept pace with its need for repair and maintenance. Continued and additional funding will be essential, not only for water quality and supply and flood management, but for increased efforts to preserve parks (existing and new), forests, lakes, rivers, beaches, bays, and the ocean coastline.
California's population is projected to expand another 25 million by the year 2040. There is also concern about global warming and the effect this may have on the state's climate and natural resources.
The initiative provides funding for protection of major natural resources and water programs at the state, regional and local level. Of the total bond measure of $5.4 billion, approximately half--$2.741 billion--is for water supply and quality programs. The remaining bond funds are for natural resource programs. Figure 1, from the Legislative Analyst's Office Voter Information Guide analysis, summarizes the purposes for which the bond money would be spent.
The funding categories are detailed and specific. New is the section to provide more than $540 million for projects that seek to preserve the ocean, including major bays and marine resources. Also new is the directive that Prop 84 will dedicate a portion of funding to each primary watershed throughout California. Other funds will be available for local and regional projects as well as for those with a statewide benefit. While some representatives from business and agricultural communities called for funding of new state surface water storage projects, Prop 84 does not allow funding for the actual construction of such a project. It would permit funds to be spent, consistent with the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, for planning, technical feasibility studies and environmental permitting needed before projects are begun. Ample funds are available, as well, to help local water supply or quality projects. The initiative directs that the state Department of Water Resources (DWR) give preference to proposals that integrate water management programs within a hydrologic region, solve a significant water related conflict, integrate water with land use management issues, or contribute to the attainment of an objective from the CALFED Bay Delta Program. The initiative states that the overall purpose of Prop 84 is to:
The measure recognizes that the impacts from climate change will pose significant challenges.
The cost of these bonds, to be repaid in 30 years, depends on the interest rate in effect when the bonds are sold. For bonds sold at an average interest rate of 5 percent, the cost would be roughly $10 billion ($5.4 billion principal and $5.1 billion interest). The average payment from the state's General Fund would be $350 million per year. Some property impacts and operational costs are unknown. The initiative provides funds for land acquisition by governments and nonprofit organizations for various purposes. The Legislative Analyst's Office has estimated that such acquisitions, which by law would be exempt from property taxes, could reduce property tax revenues by several million dollars annually. State and local governments may occur additional costs in order to operate and maintain new projects.
The rebuttal to the opponents' argument was signed by Erich Pfuehler, California Director, Clean Water Action; Jeff Kightlinger, General Manager, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; and Kaitilin Gaffney, Conservation Director, The Ocean Conservancy. Other supporters include the League of Women Voters of California, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the California State Parks Foundation, and Audubon California.
Polly Smith, LWVC Water and Agriculture Co-Program Director, water@lwvc.org Roberta Borgonovo, LWVC Water and Agriculture Co-Program Director, water@lwvc.org Charolette Fox, LWVC Natural Resources Director, natural_resources@lwvc.org Jack Sullivan, LWVC Legislation Director, legislation@lwvc.org Trudy Schafer, LWVC Program Director/Advocate, 801 12th Street, Suite 220, Sacramento 95814, 916-442-9210, Fax 916-442-7362, advocacy@lwvc.org Californians for Clean Water, Parks, and Coastal Protection, Yes on Prop. 84, 818-784-1222, www.CleanWater2006.com
YES on Proposition 84
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Note: Please adapt this letter to your own community and check your local paper's word limit for published letters.
Editor:
Proposition 84 on the November ballot is a bond measure that will help protect California's drinking water, natural landscapes, coast and ocean. These vital natural resources are essential to our health, our economy and our quality of life.
Every region of the state will benefit from this measure, and there will be local control over specific projects to improve local water supply and quality. Proposition 84 will also provide for safe neighborhood parks, conserve forests and wildlife, and protect the rivers and lakes in which we swim and fish.
Proposition 84 removes dangerous contaminants from drinking water, cleans up toxic chemicals that contaminate the fish we eat, and keeps dangerous polluted runoff from flowing into our coastal waters and onto our beaches.
Vote YES on November 7 to protect our land, water and public health for our families and for future generations.
Sincerely,
(your name)
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