Proposition 50, The Clean Water and Coastal Protection Bond of 2002, is a $3.4 billion state General Obligation bond measure that has qualified for the November 2002 ballot. The bond, which was primarily crafted by environmental groups, was developed through the initiative process, rather than through legislation.

Proceeds from the sale of the bonds would fund a variety of water projects, including:

• The CALFED Bay-Delta Program
• Programs to reduce Colorado River water use
• Coastal wetlands protection
• Water quality and water management improvement projects
• River parkways
• Security for state, local and regional water systems
• Desalination and safe drinking water projects

On September 27, the ACWA Board of Directors, after vigorous debate, voted to support Proposition 50. The vote on the measure was 17 in favor, 7 opposed, with some abstentions. Although ACWA has continued to voice concerns about how the proposition was developed, through an initiative rather than a legislative process, the benefit of long-overdue investment in California's water infrastructure and the need to keep the CALFED Bay-Delta Program viable, overrode these concerns.

CALFED is a joint state-federal effort aimed at improving ecosystem health and water supply reliability in the Bay-Delta, the hub of the state's water system. If approved by voters this November, Prop. 50 would provide $825 million for CALFED programs, including planning and studies for water storage.

With the state budget facing a massive shortfall and federal funding for CALFED stalled, the funding infusion from Prop. 50 is vital to keep the program balanced and on track.