Passing by only a fraction of a percent, the reauthorization of TransNet – the portion of the sale tax dedicated to transportation – will generate the huge sum of $880 million for desperately needed habitat protection in San Diego County.  EHL’s Michael Beck spearheaded the complex negotiation that resulted in this superb outcome.
 


TransNet will fund a mix of highway and transit projects, although no new highways.  In addition to the habitat mitigation funds, it will retrofit key roads with wildlife undercrossings, and reduce road kill.  The non-profit environmental community is expected to participate in expanded management and monitoring of acquired lands.
 
The importance of these funds for wildlife and San Diego’s natural heritage cannot be overstated.  Passage means that the Multiple Species Conservation Program can be completed.  The funds are also vital for a successful update of the County General Plan, now in progress.
 
The genesis for this accomplishment lies in years of consensus building by the Quality of Life Coalition.  Convened by San Diego Dialogue, it included business and environmental interests, and the San Diego County Taxpayers Association.  EHL’s Lynne Baker, and many others, played important roles in the process.
 
TransNet was supported by EHL, The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, National Wildlife Federation, California Oak Foundation, Buena Vista Audubon Society and over a dozen local groups from the Conservation Resources Network.  The Sierra Club, however, led a misguided effort to defeat the measure.