Proposition 3 improves fire safety and protects our water supply
Finally, we have a water bond that recognizes how fire affects our watersheds. Proposition 3 provides funding to both prevent fires and treat burned areas after fires pass through. Proposition 3 includes $250 million for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy to restore our watersheds, reduce fire danger, remove hazardous trees, thin regrowth after fires, and otherwise improve the Sierra watershed.
These programs will improve both the quality of the water within these watersheds and the quantity and distribution pattern of flow. This is the first time the state proposes to invest serious money to simultaneously protect Sierra communities by reducing fire danger, benefit the watershed and improve forest health.
Proposition 3 includes billions of dollars to repair and construct water storage and conveyance. It develops new water through storm water capture, wastewater recycling, desalting and water conservation. It also includes funds for fish and wildlife protection and habitat restoration. Additionally, our local Resource Conservation District can benefit directly from the funds provided by Proposition 3.
Many rural communities face serious drinking water quality and wastewater disposal problems. Proposition 3 includes $750 million to help local agencies solve these problems.
Every community in California relies upon a clean, safe and reliable water supply and Proposition 3 provides enough new water supplies for 3 million families.
California can afford these bonds. Our credit rating has vastly improved since the recession, the state has a large budget surplus and only a few bond acts have been presented to the voters in recent years, leaving room for the Proposition 3 water bond. This is our opportunity to get the state to properly invest into our rural communities. Proposition 3 does not raise taxes.
Local leaders and organizations endorse Proposition 3. The Rural County Representatives of California and the Mountain Counties Water Association both endorse Proposition 3 and agriculture is in strong support. Proposition 3 is endorsed by the California Farm Bureau Federation, Agricultural Council, and the Western Growers, our local resource conservation district, the Honey Lake Resource Conservation District.
Business groups supporting Proposition 3 include the Sierra Business Council, California Chamber of Commerce and the California Business Properties Association.
Practical conservation groups also support Proposition 3, such as the National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Nevada Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, California Trout, Sierra Fund and California Waterfowl Association. These groups work on the ground to improve the quality of life in our local community.
Proposition 3 is a chance for our community to be more fire safe and improve our water supply reliability and quality. Learn more at waterbond.org.