On the Ballot
By Lily Auliff

On November 6th, Houstonians will go to the polls and vote on a number of items with environmental impact:

State of Texas
Proposition 8 - This constitutional amendment would authorize the issuance of up to $850 million in bonds payable from the general revenues of the state for construction and repair projects and for the purchase of needed equipment at 11 state agencies. It includes up to $100 million over the next six years for Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPW) for maintenance and repairs of state parks, wildlife management areas, and fish hatcheries.

Advocates say the amendment would be particularly significant for the Houston area. It provides $12 million to renovate the San Jacinto Battleground and $12 million for drydock repairs on the Battleship Texas. Another $2.5 million would be used to build the Sheldon Lake Environmental Education Center at Sheldon Lake State Park. This new facility in Northeast Houston would offer hands-on education at ponds, boardwalks, and viewing decks, using former fish hatchery wetlands as a natural classroom, according to TPW.

Opponents are concerned about issuing additional bonds and how exactly the money will be spent.

Proposition 15 - This constitutional amendment would create the Texas Mobility Fund and allow the state to borrow money to finance the construction, reconstruction, acquisition, operation, and expansion of state highways, turnpikes, toll roads, toll bridges, and other mobility projects. Currently, the Texas Constitution prohibits the state from borrowing for these projects, requiring voter approval of bond issues before debt can be incurred.

Proposition supporters say the “pay-as-you-go” highway finance system is not viable in such a fast-growing state, and point out that the state borrows money for all other major capital projects.

Opponents are concerned about the cost of incurring debt, and that Proposition 15 may lead to uncontrolled freeway construction. Many would like to see the state focus on alternative transportation choices rather than increased highway spending that encourages urban sprawl and does little to solve long-term congestion problems.

Proposition 19 - This constitutional amendment would authorize the Texas Water Development board to issue up to $2 billion in additional general obligation bonds to provide loans to communities for a variety of water projects.

Proposition supporters argue that Texas’ water infrastructure must be improved to meet the needs of rapid population growth.

Opponents say that building new dams, reservoirs, and pipelines is not the most cost-effective or environmentally friendly way to manage local water supplies. They are calling instead for increased water conservation and drought management, and ask the state to carefully analyze the economic and environmental consequences of proposed projects before authorizing additional bonds.

Harris County
Bond Issue - The $535 million county bond issue includes $60 million for park maintenance and acquisition. Supporters of the park portion of the bond issue, which will be voted on separately from other portions, say the region is desperately in need of additional parkland and park improvements. Opponents are concerned about spending too much in this area.

City of Houston
Bond Issue – The $776 million city bond issue includes $80 million for the purpose of the acquisition and construction of additions and improvements to parks and recreational facilities. Property tax revenue would be used to pay off the bonds, but a tax rate increase would not be necessary, according to city officials.

Proponents of the park portion of the bond issue, which will be voted on separately, argue that Houston is “park poor,” and additional park space and improved park maintenance are needed to improve quality of life. Opponents worry that the cost of these amenities is too high.

Charter Amendment - Proposition 1 – Proposed by Mayor Lee P. Brown, this first of two rail measures proposes that the city of Houston charter be amended to require voter approval before the city approves additional rail projects. If this measure passes, and receives more votes than Proposition 3, it effectively would protect the continuation of construction of the Main Street light rail line.

Charter Amendment - Proposition 3– Proposed by Let the People Vote, the second rail measure calls for a vote on whether to complete the Main Street light rail line, already under construction.

If both rail measures receive more than 50 percent of the vote, only the one with the most votes will be implemented.