Step One in Rebuilding the State

Gov. Gray Davis’ appointed commission on rebuilding California’s infrastructure has taken a first step toward shoring up the state’s beleaguered public works system. The Commission on Building for the 21st Century issued a sketchy eight-page report proposing that bond issues totaling $5 billion to $6 billion be put before voters next year. The proposal reflects bond measures now moving through the Senate and Assembly to finance water, parks, housing and transportation projects.

The report gives Davis a conservative baseline to use in any negotiations with legislative leaders over the size and subject of statewide bond issues on next year’s March and November ballots. Most notably, the commission’s proposal for a transportation bond issue of $500 million to $1 billion falls far short of the $8 billion being sought by Senate President Pro Tem John Burton (D-San Francisco). The Legislature and governor must approve any bond issues for the March 7 primary ballot by the end of September. November 2000 bond issues do not have to be passed until early in next year’s session.

The commission’s major mission is to think far beyond the year 2000. Davis has charged it with developing plans for needed infrastructure well into the coming century. Some of the groundwork has been laid by the California Business Roundtable, which says the state needs $90 billion in investment in the next 10 years to sustain a healthy economy and a livable environment.

A spark of vision already has come from state Treasurer Phil Angelides. In issuing his first annual debt affordability report, Angelides urged that investment funds be used to leverage smarter growth and better regional planning. Unless it is channeled properly, growth will threaten the state’s environmental quality and livability no matter how much is invested in the infrastructure.

Appallingly, California has no capital spending plan for assessing the state’s construction needs each year. Periodic bond issues often are slapped together on the word of civil servants and special interests who look to their own wish lists, without regard for overall need.

Angelides is right when he says the state must direct investment toward more sustainable development on the urban fringe rather than encouraging leapfrog growth. We must work to revive existing communities. A coherent program will emphasize affordable housing near job sites, a better mix of housing in communities and higher-density use of land.

For far too long, California has been living off the foresight and planning of state officials of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The challenge the state faces today will require vision, smart planning, creative solutions and bold leadership. And there is no time to lose.