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Disaster Preparedness and Flood Prevention
Bond Act of 2006
Legislative Bond Act.

THE QUESTION

Should the state sell $4.1 billion in general obligation bonds to finance disaster preparedness and flood prevention projects at the state and local levels?

THE SITUATION

California assists with flood control projects statewide, and is primarily responsible for Central Valley projects, which provide water to a significant portion of the state's population. Eighty percent of the levee projects are overseen by local agencies with state grants, principally from the General Fund. Since 1996, bond measures totaling $400 million for water quality and safety projects have been passed. Most of these funds have been spent.

State spending for flood management has varied from $60 million in 2002-03 to $270 million in 2001-02, depending on the availability of general and bond funds. Recently, the Legislature voted $500 million from the General Fund for emergency levee repair and flood management.

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has estimated that the repair and upgrade of the Central Valley flood control systems and Delta levees would cost between $7 billion to $12 billion.

THE PROPOSAL

Proposition 1E would create the Disaster Preparedness and Flood Prevention Bond Fund of 2006, administered by the state DWR. The bond proceeds would be used to obtain federal matching funds and

encourage local matching funds. It would require the DWR to establish priorities, design projects, and prepare an annual plan. The funds would be allocated as follows:

• $3 billion for Central Valley Flood Control System and Delta levees to repair, improve, and add facilities for flood protection in the urban areas
• $500 million to local governments for the state's share of federally authorized projects
• $300 million to local agencies for stormwater management programs
• $290 million to create, enhance, and protect flood corridors and to create floodplain maps.

FISCAL EFFECT

The Legislative Analyst estimates the 30-year cost to be $8 billion. State land purchases for projects could reduce local property taxes by several million dollars annually. The operation and maintenance costs of any new properties or projects are unknown.

WHAT A YES OR NO VOTE MEANS

A YES vote means that the state could sell $4.1 billion in general obligation bonds for state and local projects for flood control and other water safety projects.

A NO vote means that $4.1 billion in general obligation bonds could not be sold for these projects.

SUPPORTERS SAY

• It will ensure that clean water is available by providing funds to rebuild an out-of-date system and it will prevent pollution and safeguard water sources.
• It will not raise taxes and has strong accountability provisions, including independent audits.

OPPONENTS SAY

• We cannot afford new debt and higher taxes to pay for it; local projects should be funded locally.
• It will not build a single reservoir or water treatment plant.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

PRO 916-448-1401, www.ReadForYourself.org

CON 916-991-9300, www.ProtectTaxpayers.com