WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 14, 2014 -- Last week, voters across the nation went to the polls and cast their ballot for races ranging from U.S. Senate seats to town councils. They voted on issues facing their communities in the form of propositions and referendums, ranging from topics of water infrastructure needs to healthcare that will guide their elected officials in the years to come. Election Day is the day we send a message to our legislators and other elected officials on what our priorities are and what theirs should be.
One message we heard was voters calling for the public and private sectors to renew and expand their efforts to solve a growing national issue and address critical water infrastructure needs across the country. This rising tide of support shows voters understand updating water infrastructure is an ongoing investment, not a one-time purchase.
In three state-wide measures, in three very different parts of this country, voters resoundingly supported updating and improving their water infrastructure. These efforts were the result of increased recognition of the critical needs facing our country's water infrastructure systems by people of all political stripes and backgrounds.
In California, voters approved Proposition 1 which, among other things, authorizes $7.12 billion in general obligation bonds for state water supply infrastructure projects and was supported by a coalition from across the political spectrum (see "CA voters approve $7.5B water bond at Nov. 4 ballot").
The state of Maine saw the passage of Bond Issue 6 by a wide margin and approved a $10-million bond issue that will protect drinking water sources, restore wetlands and create jobs through vital public infrastructure work.
Amendment 1 in Florida proved massively popular with voters. The measure directs revenue from real estate taxes go to protecting drinking water and restore the Everglades. According to the state, this effort will receive approximately $648 million in 2015 and reach a total of $18 billion over the life of this 20-year amendment.
See also:
"NAWC commends introduction of bond cap removal bill"
"NAWC announces new, returning members of board of directors"
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