Proposition 1 (2014) | californiachoices.org

My vote

Proposition 1 authorizes $7.5 billion in general obligation bonds for new water programs such as watershed restoration and protection, groundwater storage, and ecosystem sustainability. The bonds are expected to cost an average of about $360 million annually for 40 years. Local governments are expected to save money if the measure passes.

Proposition 1 is a statewide bond proposition.

Official Results

Yes votes: 4,771,350 [67.1%]

No votes: 2,336,676 [32.9%]

See Endorsements for Proposition 1 (2014)

Details

Pro/Con

Pro:

Proponents contend that with the state experiencing a severe drought, reservoirs and groundwater basins have lowered significantly. In order to combat drinking water shortages, lower water quality, cutbacks to farms, wildfire danger, and increased food prices, water projects are necessary in the coming years. Proponents say that Prop. 1 will improve water infrastructure, repair the Delta, create jobs, and improve water quality.

Support

California State Association of Counties
Edmund G. Brown Jr., Governor.
Yes on Props 1 and 2

Con:

Opponents argue that Prop. 1 is a bloated measure recycled from several years ago which is intended to serve special interests. They believe the measure will not provide real solutions to the water crisis in the state. They claim billions will be handed over to a government commission with no public oversight. They also say that the Delta restoration portion of the measure will in fact fund water tunnel projects which will destroy Delta farmland.

Opposition

No On Prop. 1

In Depth

Water supply and safety are currently funded through a variety of state programs. These programs fund facility improvements for public water systems and provide money for flood control construction and repair projects. The state also provides grants and low interest loans to local agencies for water conservation and water treatment projects. The state also operates the state park system which administers maintenance and operation of local and regional parks. All of these programs receive money from the state general fund, federally mandated funds, and voter supported general obligation bonds. A total of 25 million new California residents are expected by 2040, and this has raised the demand for water supply and natural place preservation. The State Water Project was created by Proposition 1 in 1960. The project is a water storage and delivery system which stores water and distributes it to water suppliers throughout the state.

More recently, Proposition 84 was approved in Nov. 2006. It authorized the state to sell $5.4 billion in general obligation bonds to pay for water safety and supply projects, as well as for natural place preservation. The measure funded drinking water, water quality, water supply, flood control and park and natural resource preservation. Previously, voters approved Proposition 50 in 2005, which issued $3.4 billion for water projects.

Proposition 1 would provide $7.5 billion in general obligation bonds for new water programs. Under the measure the state would sell $7.12 billion in additional bonds. In addition, the measure redirects $425 million in in unsold bonds from previously approved water and environmental uses. The state would repay these bonds from the state's general fund.

The measure includes these specific proposals:

$900 million allocated for competitive grants and loan funding for clean up or prevention projects associated with contaminated groundwater which is used for public drinking water.
$810 million for spending and competitive loans and grants to regional water management projects.
$725 million for water recycling and treatment technology projects.
$520 million drinking water improvement projects including reducing and preventing contamination of community drinking water, and the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Small Community Grant Fund.
$395 million flood prevention and management projects.
$2.7 billion to pay up to 50% of the costs for water storage projects including ground water replenishment, water storage, and new dams and reservoirs.
$1.495 billion for grants for ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects.

Local spending could be reduced under the measure's increased availability of state bonds and how they affect local government spending on water projects. In cases where state bond funds are available, local governments could reduce operating costs with the creation of new projects. On the other hand, new projects could also be more expensive to operate and actually raise local spending.

Proposition 1 was previously placed on the ballot as Proposition 43. That measure allowed the state to issue $11.4 billion in general obligation bonds. Governor Jerry Brown asked the legislature to replace the measure for the reduced bonds allowed under Proposition 1.

Polling

Field Poll #2490, October 31, 2014
One week before the election 54% of likely voters say they will be voting Yes, just 22% are intending to vote No, while 24% are undecided.

Hoover Institution Golden State Poll, October 3-17, 2014

PPIC Californians And Their Government, October 2014

USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll, September 13, 2014

PPIC Californians And Their Government, September 2014

Field Poll #2484, September 10, 2014
Nearly two-to-one support for the state water bond, Proposition 1.

Lake Research Partners, Sept. 4, 2014

"A recent survey among likely November 2014 voters in California shows that Proposition One is by no means a sure thing and has a tenuous path to passage. The proposition fails to meet the usual threshold for initial strength in polling, serious doubts can be raised among voters, and faces opposition from credible messengers."

PPIC Californians And Their Government, March 2014

Voter Resources

Official CA Documents

Official Voter Information Guide

Campaign Finance Information

Cal-Access
Check out how much money is being raised and spent to pass or defeat this measure, and where the money is coming from.

Cal-Access Ballot Measure Summary Data Search
Select "General 04 November 2014" and "Proposition 02" from the drop-down menus. Cal-Access provides financial information supplied by state candidates, donors, lobbyists, and others.

Nonpartisan Analyses

Ballotpedia

League of Women Voters: Pros and Cons

Overview of State Bond Debt
From the California Legislative Analyst's Office

Multimedia

Supporters