LOS ANGELES, Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Wednesday, October 18 marks the anniversary of the federal Clean Water Act. As communities and beaches across California continue to suffer from water pollution and water quality challenges, leading water, public health and environmental organizations across the state are using the anniversary of the Clean Water Act to emphasize the need for Proposition 84 -- the Clean Water and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006.
More than 60% of rivers and streams tested in California are so polluted they violate federal clean water standards, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This pollution threatens our sources of drinking water, poisons fish and wildlife, and ultimately contaminates our coastal waters.
The $5.4 billion bond measure, slated for the November 2006 statewide ballot, would provide critically needed funds to ensure the availability of safe drinking water, improve local water supply reliability, strengthen flood protection, and preserve California's natural landscapes, including parks, lakes, rivers, beaches, bays, ocean and coastline.
"The federal Clean Water Act was passed to ensure all communities in America implement water standards that protect public health. Local water agencies are on the front lines of the fight to protect our drinking water. This is an opportunity for Californians to partner with them in that fight," said Steve Hall, Executive Director, Association of California Water Agencies. "Proposition 84 provides more than $1.5 billion for safe drinking water, water quality and water management programs for every region in California."
A new California Report Card by the American Society of Civil Engineers found deplorable conditions of the state's infrastructure, including water and parks. Specifically: Parks/Open Space received a D+ grade; Urban Runoff received a D+ grade; Wastewater Systems received a C+ grade; Water Supply & Infrastructure received a C+ grade; and Levees/Flood Control received an F grade.
"At a time when some at the federal level have weakened the landmark Clean Water Act, it is more important than ever to ensure that local communities have the resources they need to meet important water safety and quality standards -- Proposition 84 does just that," said Erich Pfuehler, California Director for Clean Water Action. "Proposition 84 is the bond initiative on this year's ballot with the most to offer toward ensuring a healthy environment for the next generation to inherit."
"Protecting public health by improving water quality was the goal of the Clean Water Act. But today, children, seniors and pregnant women continue to be at risk due to more than 450 contaminated groundwater sources in California," said Dr. Aliza Lifshitz, past president, California Hispanic- American Medical Association. "Removing dangerous cancer causing chemicals from our water sources is a vital and necessary action recognized by public health officials and public water agencies statewide. Proposition 84 funds go to emergency drinking water projects and groundwater cleanup loans and grants."
Proposition 84 provides more than $1.5 billion for safe drinking water, water quality and water management programs. Funds from Proposition 84 go directly to local and regional water agencies, cities, local government agencies and treatment facilities to address very specific local needs, including:
* $240 million Safe Drinking Water Fund to help meet local water quality needs, provide emergency safe drinking water, and to meet the new State standards to clean up water contamination; * $540 million to help preserve our ocean and major bays; * $90 million for coastal water quality/clean beaches; * $80 million for clean water programs; * $60 million for groundwater cleanup; * $90 million for stormwater cleanup; and * $180 million for small rural communities to clean up nitrates and other agricultural-related pollutants.
California is facing enormous population growth in the coming years, with 25 million new residents expected by 2040. But our state's investment in infrastructure has not kept pace with our population growth. Current funding for water quality, water supply reliability, natural resources and environmental protection programs is critically low, with past bond funds running out as early as this year. The lack of funding will cause significant and widespread problems for all Californians, ranging from the safety of our drinking water supply, and vulnerability to destructive flooding, to the most basic conditions of our parks, bays and coastline.
Proposition 84 will provide much needed investments into these natural infrastructures, while providing strict fiscal accountability provisions, such as yearly independent audits and a citizen's oversight committee.
More than 650 bipartisan leaders and organizations across the state also support Proposition 84, including: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Association of California Water Agencies, Clean Water Action, California Coastal Coalition, Southern California Public Health Association, League of California Cities, Western Growers Association, California Chamber of Commerce, Latino Issues Forum, and the California NAACP.
Paid for by Californians for Clean Water, Parks and Coastal Protection/Yes on
Yes on Prop 84
CONTACT: Colleen Haggerty, +1-818-784-1222, for Yes on Prop 84
