THE CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAR AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD
PARKS, AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2002
Legislative Bond Act
THE QUESTION
Should the state borrow two billion six hundred million dollars
($2,600,000,000) through the sale of general obligation bonds for
development, restoration, and acquisition of state and local parks,
recreation areas and historical resources, and for land, air, and
water conservation programs?
THE SITUATION
The state acquires, develops and improves recreational areas (such
as parks and beaches), cultural areas (such as historic buildings
and museums), and natural areas (such as wilderness, trails, wildlife
habitat, and the coast). The state also provides grants to local
governments for those purposes.
The last park bond act approved by the voters was Proposition
12, for $2.1 billion in bonds in March 2000. Funds authorized by
the previous bond acts are mostly spent or committed to specific
projects.
THE PROPOSAL
Proposition 40 will authorize the sale of $2.6 billion in general
obligation bonds to conserve natural resources (land, air, and water),
to acquire and improve state and local parks, and to preserve historical
and cultural resources.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Costs are estimated at $4.3 billion over 25 years, or $172 million
per year.
SUPPORTERS SAY
- Our drinking water, our air and our beaches will be protected
from toxic pollution.
- Coastal lands and beaches threatened by development need protection.
- Passage of Proposition 40 will help provide kids with safe
places to play.
- Our economy and environment will be enhanced and protected.
OPPONENTS SAY
- In March 2000, voters funded $4 billion in bonds for similar
projects. Why do we need another $2 billion that we cannot afford?
- Bonds are an expensive and wasteful financing scheme, almost
doubling the cost.
- Some money will go to special interests. We shouldn’t all have
to pay for that.
- Local governments should finance their own projects.
For more information:
Supporters: Californians for Clean Water, Clean Air, Coastal Protection,
and Safe Neighborhood Parks, (916) 313-4539, www.voteyeson40.org
Opponents: Senator Ray Haynes, (909) 698-2158, www.hjta.org
See also Smart
Voter Proposition 40 and "In
Depth".
You may link to any individual proposition page.
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