Measure AA, a special parcel tax of $12 per year for twenty years on the June 7, 2016 ballot in all nine Bay Area counties passed with 69 percent voter approval. "This is a significant achievement for the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority (Authority), for the San Francisco Bay, for all Bay Area residents, and for all of us interested in regional issues," said Ezra Rapport, ABAG Executive Director.
The "San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention, and Habitat Restoration Program," known as the Clean and Healthy Bay Ballot Measure, would generate approximately $25 million per year, totaling $500 million, to fund shoreline projects that would protect and restore the San Francisco Bay by: (1) reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins; (2) improving water quality; (3) restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife; (4) protecting communities from floods; and (5) increasing shoreline access for public enjoyment. Through the parcel tax, revenue would be allocated to projects in each of the San Francisco Bay Area's nine counties.
ABAG is responsible for appointing the seven member Governing Board of the Authority. The current members are listed here: http://sfbayrestore.org/sf-bay-restoration-authority-board.php. In addition, ABAG has provided voluntary staff support to the Authority in the form of the San Francisco Estuary Partnership's Director and Staff, ABAG's Executive Director, Legal Counsel, Finance Director and Board Clerk. The staff of the San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program has also served the Authority on a voluntary basis.
For more information, visit the website at http://sfbayrestore.org/ or contact the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority at info@sfbayrestore.org.