2006
Abstract:
Sustained, rapid population growth and a variety of fiscal constraints have challenged the
ability of California's state and local governments to provide and maintain adequate
levels of civil infrastructure. The Governor has proposed a ten-year program to revitalize
the state’s infrastructure. We examine the current state of infrastructure spending and the
extent to which new public and private sources can be mobilized to build for the future.
With a focus on two main areas of public infrastructure needs – transportation and water
resources – we point out the pitfalls of relying too heavily on additional bond financing
or general-source revenues and focus on the potential for strategies that align the benefits
of new infrastructure with the costs of provision. By aligning costs and benefits,
California can help satisfy its current and future infrastructure needs while protecting the
ability of future generations to make their own spending choices.
