BILL NUMBER: AB 1909 VETOED DATE: 09/25/2000 SEP 25 2000 To Members of the California Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill AB 1909 without my signature. This bill would require the State Water Resources Control Board to contract for a pilot street runoff reduction program in three counties, if funding is appropriated for this purpose, and to submit a report to the Legislature on the outcome of the program. I strongly support the efforts of local communities to protect our beaches, streams and rivers by reducing street runoff. In the fiscal year 2000/01 state budget, I approved over $50 million of General Fund augmentations for various water quality, coastal protection and urban runoff programs. Additionally, the passage of Proposition 13 by the voters earlier this year provides funding for numerous nonpoint source water pollution projects, including urban runoff activities. This bill is unnecessary and the pilot program should be pursued through the existing administrative process. To the extent counties wish to seek state funding for street runoff projects, they should do so within existing funding opportunities, including competing through the normal application, review, and selection process at the State Water Resources Control Board. Sincerely, GRAY DAVIS