2014 Water Bond targets state’s long-term water needs and aquatic ecosystems.

Two months from today, the California electorate will vote up or down on a massive water bond which Governor Jerry Brown signed on August 13, 2014. The Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (the 2014 Water Bond) — if approved by a majority of the voters1 in November — would provide US$7.545 billion2 in bond funding for water-related projects and programs throughout the state of California. The 2014 Water Bond received significant bipartisan support in the California Legislature and will appear on the November statewide ballot as Proposition 1.

Overview of 2014 Water Bond -

The 2014 Water Bond would replace the $11.14 billion bond that was drafted in 2009 (the 2009 Water Bond). The 2009 Water Bond was criticized as too large and included projects and earmarks that were neither cost-effective nor in the best interests of the state. By authorizing $7.1 billion in general obligation bonds and repurposing $425 million of existing unspent bonds,3 the 2014 Water Bond would make billions of dollars for a wide range of projects and programs,