OP-ED: Proposition 3 would improve reliability of Downey's water supply

By Matteo Crow

Voters in Downey should pay close attention to Proposition 3, a statewide water bond on the November ballot.

California is completely dependent on a clean, safe, and reliable water supply. We live in a state prone to drought, wildfire, and floods and our water supply must be managed properly to meet these challenges. Our state’s economy and population continue to grow, as do the water needs of urban and rural communities, agricultural, and fish and wildlife.

Proposition 3 also makes key investments in the mountain watersheds that are the source of our water. Fire is transforming our watersheds, degrading water quality and reducing available water supply. Proposition 3 devotes more than two billion dollars to restoring those landscape, and improving water quality and quantity. Funds will be used to reduce fire danger, and to repair fire-damaged watersheds.

Proposition 3 will repair failing surface and underground water storage and conveyance facilities. It develops new water through such proven methods as recycling of wastewater for irrigation and industry, desalting, capture of stormwater and water conservation. Funding for fish and wildlife habitat protection and restoration is included as well. Hundreds of thousands of people in California don’t have a safe drinking water supply. Proposition 3 includes $750 million to help solve these problems. Proposition 3 will provide enough water to meet the water needs of more than three million families in California.

Other programs in Proposition 3 include urban stream restoration; river parkways; and improvement of water quality in local rivers, streams and coastal waters. Proponents argue that Proposition 3 will prepare us for the next inevitable drought by improving the reliability of our local water supplies and giving local water providers the flexibility to deal with changing water supply conditions.

Proposition 3 provides $175 million for the restoration of the LA River, improving recreational opportunities and the water quality flowing in our communities

California’s economy is booming and the state can easily afford Proposition 3. Our state’s 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. Proposition 3 does not raise taxes.

Proposition 3 does have opposition. The Sierra Club and Friends of the River oppose Proposition 3 because they believe Proposition 3 is too high a financial cost for the state’s general fund and will result in environmental damage. They are also opposed to direct appropriations for Central Valley water infrastructure, feeling that the state should play a greater role in the allocation of funding regionally and are opposed to subsidizing agriculture.

On the other side, environmental groups supporting Proposition 3 include the National Wildlife Federation, Nature Conservancy, Audubon California, Planning and Conservation League, Ducks Unlimited, Save the Bay, California Trout, and California Waterfowl Association. These groups work on the ground to improve the quality of life in our local community. Senator Dianne Feinstein and GOP candidate for Governor John Cox support Proposition 3.

Proposition 3 is endorsed by Downey’s water district, the Central Basin Municipal Water District, California Greenworks, Friends of the Los Angeles River, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Mujeres de la Tierra, CLEAN South Bay, Climate Resolve, Water Replenishment District of Southern California, Tree People, Strategic Action for a Just Economy, MOVE LA, West Basin Municipal Water District, Biz Fed LA County, and The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

Proposition 3 is a chance to improve the reliability of Downey’s water supply, and enjoy higher quality water in our rivers, streams and ocean, but does have opposition. Learn more at www.waterbond.org.