On January 13, 2016, the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority's Board unanimously voted to place a funding measure on the June 7, 2016 ballot in the nine-county Bay Area to generate funds to protect and restore the San Francisco Bay. The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority is a regional government agency charged with raising and allocating resources for the restoration, enhancement, protection, and enjoyment of wetlands and wildlife habitat in the San Francisco Bay and along its shoreline.
The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorized a parcel tax of $12 per year to raise approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local. Through the parcel tax, revenue would be allocated to projects in each of the San Francisco Bay Area's nine counties. Anticipated project types include ecosystem restoration, flood protection, and recreation enhancement designed to provide wetland habitat for wildlife and improve flood risk management. Grant funds would be allocated for projects to conduct restoration and enhancement of creek mouth habitats for birds, fish, and water quality, as well as flood protection in regionally significant watersheds.
The San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program is designed to protect the San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access.
Taking action now will ensure that we have the resources to prevent urban runoff from polluting the Bay, preserve critical habitat for fish and wildlife, enhance public access to open spaces, and protect homes and infrastructure from flooding.
For more information visit the website at http://sfbayrestore.org/ or contact the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority at info@sfbayrestore.org.