HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESO7626RESOLUTION 7626
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
SUPPORTING PROPOSITION 204,
THE SAFE, CLEAN, RELIABLE WATER SUPPLY ACT OF 1996
WHEREAS, water is the lifeblood of California, and few major improvements have
been made to its water supply and delivery infrastructure in the last three decades, yet the
state's population has nearly doubled to 32 million and is projected to be nearly 50
million by 2020; and
WHEREAS, the State of California has joined with the federal government in
adopting the "Central Valley Project Improvement Act Sharing of Costs Agreement for
Mitigation Projects and Improvements," (CVPIA) to share in the cost to protect, restore
and enhance fish, wildlife, and associated habitat in the Central Valley and Trinity River
basins of California;.and
WHEREAS, the State of California has not appropriated funds to fulfill its financial
commitment to assure the implementation of CVPIA; and
WHEREAS, the federal government is becoming less willing to finance additional
CVPIA cost -share projects required by the Act until the State of California demonstrates
the ability to meet its financial obligations; and
WHEREAS, the passage of Proposition 204, a $995 million general obligation bond
measure appearing on the November 1996 ballot, will provide California's share of costs
for several of the projects and programs associated with the CVPIA; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto, as a member of Northern California Power Agency
(NCPA), contracts with the federal Bureau of Reclamation for water and power, and
supported the design and contribution of the federal Central Valley Project; and
. ..
WHEREAS, the. City of Palo Alto, through NCPA, relies on the Central Valley Project
as a major source of renewable energy and contributes significantly to the costs of
operating and maintaining the Central Valley Project by purchasing substantial amounts
of electric power from the federal power marketing agency, Western Area Power
Administration: and
WHEREAS, Proposition 204 represents a prudent investment in our environment and
our $750 billion state economy and balances the needs of the state's economy and
environment to provide the foundation for a comprehensive solution to our state's water
problems; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 204 will benefit all Californians by ensuring safe drinking
water; increasing water supplies; preventing water pollution; protecting against floods;
helping our economy and jobs; encouraging water conservation and recycling; protecting
fish and wildlife and protecting against earthquake damage; and
WHEREAS, passage of Proposition 204 will reduce the potential for adverse financial
impacts upon the City of Palo Alto, NCPA members and other CVP power contractors by
fulfilling part of the State's obligations; and
WHEREAS, additional federal cost -sharing contemplated for the "Bay -Delta
Ecosystem Restoration Program" does not call for needed revenues, in addition to their
on -going CVPIA Restoration Fund obligation, to come from CVP power contractors; and
WHEREAS, over 100 entities, including agricultural interest, civic and
community groups, businesses, environmental protection associations, labor coalitions,
and others support Proposition 204.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Palo Alto,
by adoption of this Resolution, hereby endorses Proposition 204, The Clean, Safe,
Reliable Water Supply Act of 1996.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: October 21, 1996
AYES: ANDERSEN, HUBER, KNISS, MCCOWN, ROSENBAUM, SCHNEIDER, SIMITIAN, WHEELER
NOES:
ABSENT: FAZZINO
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:/rad—.
• City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ity Attorney
APPROVED: