$5.4 billion sought for parks, water
Voters will decide on yet another bond measure -- one aimed at improving the state's infrastructure.
By Michael Gardner
Copley News Service
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
SACRAMENTO -- Another bond measure has joined an already crowded November ballot, this one asking voters to approve spending $5.4 billion on water, parks and coastal protection.The measure has been sharply criticized for not including funding for new reservoirs, but does earmark money for clean-water programs and levee safeguards that could keep supplies flowing south to the Los Angeles region in the event of flooding or an earthquake in the Sacramento Delta.
The Secretary of State's Office announced Tuesday that backers had collected enough valid signatures of registered voters to qualify the initiative.
It will take its place alongside a separate $37 billion package of public works projects promoted by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Legislature.
The measure sets aside funding for local programs, including Santa Monica Bay, the Los Angeles River and state parks.
It also includes money to help keep supplies flowing out of the Colorado River -- a key source of drinking water for Southern California.
"Clean water, parks and natural areas are critical to our quality of life, but funding to protect these precious resources hasn't kept pace with California's rapid growth," said Mark Burget, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in California.
"Without raising taxes, this initiative will provide the funding California needs to keep our drinking water safe and protect our rivers, lakes, forests and other wildlife habitat before it is too late," he continued.
The outcome is far from assured. Voters in the low-key, low-turnout June election rejected a library bond, signaling they may not be in the mood to accept more debt.
At the same time, they will be asked to approve $37 billion for roads, schools, housing and levees.
Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders originally worked to offer voters a similar resources bond as part of their overall public works package.
But compromise proved elusive as mostly Republicans balked over the lack of funding for new reservoirs and the emphasis on environmental programs.
Meanwhile, the initiative rolled along with backers gathering far more signatures than necessary, which effectively allowed Democratic leaders to hold the line on dams.
The Metropolitan Water District has not taken a position on the measure.
Other major funding categories include $1.28 billion for water supply and water quality programs, $928 million for river and lake protection, $800 million for flood, $540 million for clean beaches and bays, $450Â million for wildlife and forest conservation, and $400 million for parks.
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