SB 5, by Senator De León, was amended this week to reflect
ongoing negotiations of stakeholders in a water and parks bond
deal. The bill, which is currently awaiting a vote on the
Assembly Floor, will need to return to Senate Floor for a final
floor vote to concur in the amendments before the end of the
legislative session next week.
If enacted, the bill would place the Drought, Water, Parks,
Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of
2018 on the November 2018 General Election Ballot. The Act
proposes the issuance of $3.997 billion in general obligation
bonds for parks, water, recreation, and wildlife conservation.
The bond also includes $5 million specifically for grants to
improve county fairgrounds.
Breakdown of funds available by category:
$1.37 billion dollars for park and recreation improvements;
$1.467 billion for water projects, including water way
improvement, coastal protection, clean drinking water projects,
and flood control.
$652 million for conservancies and wildlife; and
$503 million for climate preparedness, habitat improvement
and resource enhancement.
CSAC has not yet taken a position on this bill. We will take the
measure up for consideration once it qualifies for the
ballot.
