LWV League of Women Voters of California
Smart Voter
State of California November 5, 2002 Election
Proposition 50
Water Quality, Supply and Safe Drinking Water Projects. Coastal Wetlands Purchase and Protection
State of California

Initiative Statute

3,727,561 / 55.4% Yes votes ...... 3,006,792 / 44.6% No votes

See Also: Index of all Propositions

Results as of Nov 14 11:14am, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (24726/24726)
Information shown below: Summary | Fiscal Impact | Yes/No Meaning | Official Information | Arguments |

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?

Summary:
Authorizes $3,440,000,000 general obligation bonds, to be repaid from state's General Fund, to fund a variety of water projects including: specified CALFED Bay-Delta Program projects including urban and agricultural water use efficiency projects; grants and loans to reduce Colorado River water use; purchasing, protecting and restoring coastal wetlands near urban areas; competitive grants for water management and water quality improvement projects; development of river parkways; improved security for state, local and regional water systems; and grants for desalination and drinking water disinfecting projects.

Fiscal Impact from the Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance:
State costs to repay the bonds, which, if the bonds were issued with a maturity of 25 years, would equal approximately $5.7 billion to pay principal ($3.44 billion) and interest ($2.24 billion), with payments of approximately $227 million per year. The measure would also result in potential costs of an unknown amount to state and local governments to operate or maintain properties or projects acquired or developed with these bond funds.

Meaning of Voting Yes/No
A YES vote of this measure means:
The state could sell $3.44 billion in bonds for water quality, water supply reliability, and safe drinking water projects and for coastal land acquisition and protection.

A NO vote of this measure means:
The state could not sell $3.44 billion in bonds for these purposes.

Official Sources of Information
Arguments Submitted to

Summary of Arguments FOR Proposition 50:
YES on 50 keeps clean drinking water flowing for California's rapidly-growing population. Prop 50 is a cost-effective approach to protecting vital water supplies and our coast. That's why YES on 50 is endorsed by public health and safety groups, local water agencies, businesses and conservation groups thoughout California.

Full Text of Argument In Favor, Rebuttal

Summary of Arguments AGAINST Proposition 50:
Proposition 50 does virtually nothing to complete the California Water Project, or provide us with new water supplies. It actually prohibits using bond funds for building new dams or reservoirs. It will cost you $5.7 Billion over the next 25 years. Don't be fooled by this misleading initiative.

Full Text of Argument Against, Rebuttal

Contact FOR Proposition 50:
Californians for Clean Water & Coastal Protection
926 J Street, Suite 907
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-669-4796
info@prop50yes.com
http://www.prop50yes.com

Contact AGAINST Proposition 50:
Ted Costa
People's Advocate Inc. 3407 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
916-482-6175
tedcosta@tedcosta.com
http://www.peoplesadvocate.org
http://www.tedcosta.com

  Official Information

Secretary of State

Legislative Analysts's Office Nonpartisan Information

League of Women Voters - Analysis

League of Women Voters - Background KQED Public Broadcasting California Voter Foundation News and Analysis

KQED-FM San Francisco Public Radio

Sacramento Bee North County Times (San Diego) Events

LWV Pros & Cons Public Meetings

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Created: December 6, 2002 03:15 PST
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