Michigan voters should be asked in 2018 to authorize the sale of $2 billion in general obligations for clean water.
Why? Because the need exists. Governor Snyder’s infrastructure task force conservatively estimates a $19 billion water funding gap over the next 20 years.
Why? Because Michigan voters for 50 years have voted resoundingly in favor of well-crafted environmental bonds, all 4 of which were partially or exclusively devoted to clean water. Here’s the history.
1968 $335M wastewater treatment bond: yes 1,906,385; no 796,079
1988 $660M ($85M for clean water): yes 2,528,109; no 774,451
1998 $675M ($165M for clean water): yes 1,821,006; no, 1,081,988
2002 $1B clean water: 1,774,053; no. 1,172,612
“Well-crafted” is the key. More on that in a future post.