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WATER QUALITY, SUPPLY AND SAFE DRINKING WATER PROJECTS, COASTAL WETLANDS PURCHASE AND PROTECTION
Bonds. Initiative Statute

THE QUESTION

Should the state borrow three billion four hundred forty million dollars ($3,440,000,000) through the sale of general obligation bonds for a variety of water projects including coastal protection, the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, integrated regional water management, safe drinking water and water quality?

THE SITUATION

The state administers many programs for water quality, water management and protection of wetlands, rivers, watersheds and coastal areas. Funding for these programs comes from the state General Fund, federal funds and general obligation bonds. Since 1990, voters have approved about $3 billion of water related bonds. As of June 2002, a balance of about $1.1 billion remains for future projects.

THE PROPOSAL

Proposition 50 will authorize the sale of $3.44 billion in general obligation bonds for water projects including coastal protection, the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, integrated regional water management, safe drinking water and water quality.

FISCAL EFFECT

Costs are estimated at $6.9 billion over 30 years, or $230 million per year.

A YES VOTE means the state could issue $3.44 billion in general obligation bonds for specified water projects including coastal protection, the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, integrated regional water management, safe drinking water, and water quality.

A NO VOTE means the state would not be able to issue new general obligation bonds for specified water projects including coastal protection, the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, integrated regional water management, safe drinking water, and water quality.

SUPPORTERS SAY

• Provide California with a safe, reliable supply of clean drinking water.

• Create new water supplies to keep up with population growth.

• Protect rivers, lakes, streams, coastal wetlands, beaches and bays.

OPPONENTS SAY

• No new water storage such as reservoirs or dams is included.

• Proposition 50 will cost taxpayers $5.7 billion.

• A canal to divert water from the Sacramento River to the California Aqueduct is not included.

For more information:

Supporters: Californians for Clean Water & Coastal Protection, (916) 669-4796, www.prop50yes.com
Opponents: People’s Advocate, (800) 501-8222, www.peoplesadvocate.org

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