BILL NUMBER: AB 1835 VETOED DATE: 09/25/2000 SEP 25 2000 To Members of the California Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 1835 without my signature. This bill would establish a 50-50 matching grant program for public local agencies, administered by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), to pay for the diversion of dry weather storm sewer flows to a publicly-owned treatment works rather than releasing the discharge on public beaches. The bill would provide a total General Fund appropriation of $6,990,000 for a statewide grant program. While I agree that reducing beach contamination would help address human health risks and economic hardship associated with contaminated beaches, AB 1835 is not the appropriate measure to accomplish these goals. This bill focuses on a temporary, seasonal fix and does not provide for identification and elimination of the sources of contamination. In addition, I have committed considerable funds to help address beach contamination. The 2000-01 Budget makes a major $ 50 million investment in identifying and correcting water pollution problems for various water quality, coastal protection, and urban runoff programs. In addition, Proposition 13 provides $90 million for coastal nonpoint source pollution projects, with $4 million specifically allocated for Orange County. We should give these programs a chance to produce results. Sincerely, GRAY DAVIS