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.