ENDORSEMENT Yes on Proposition 84 Friday, October 6, 2006 PROPOSITION 84 WOULD authorize the state to sell $5.4 billion in general obligation bonds to fund a variety of water and park projects. The funds are needed in addition to Prop. 1E to improve the Central Valley and Delta levee system, manage and safeguard water supplies and assist local, regional and state parks. There is little doubt that California must do more to improve flood control. Last winter's floods were a warning that much worse damage could occur if more levees were to fail. Prop. 84 also would provide funds for water management and water quality projects to prevent further pollution and to clean up ecosystems that are in danger of depletion. There would be funds for wildlife habitat protection, forest conservation and restoration of the San Joaquin River and fisheries restoration. About $900 million of the money would go for state and regional park land acquisition and development along with nature education. With so many other needed projects financed by bonds, this is a difficult time to ask voters to approve another water and park measure. But the projects funded by Prop. 84 are necessary to maintain water quality, increase flood protection and provide for recreation. Currently there are not enough state and local funds to repair levees, safeguard the environment or improve our parks. Prop. 84 goes a long way toward meeting those needs now and deserves the support of voters.   http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/editorial/15693898.htm

 

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