Resource Assessments: Improving Effectiveness and Creating Savings [Publication Details]

Feb 19, 2003 - A number of departments engage in resource assessment activities intended to determine the condition of natural resources in the state. We review several such activities and identify opportunities for funding shifts and program reductions, some of which will create savings. We also discuss opportunities to increase the value of the information collected.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/954

Overview of the Major Issues Regarding the Use of Tax-Exempt Bonds in California [Publication Details]

Nov 9, 1983 - Presentation to the 1983 Fall Conference of the Financial and Accounting Officers of the Association of California Water Agencies by Jon David Vasche, Senior Economist, Office of the Legislative Analyst, State of California.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/3432

Land Acquisition Funding [Publication Details]

Feb 17, 2000 - The budget proposes language for the Wildlife Conservation Board and State Coastal Conservancy that would allow those departments to use a portion of land acquisition and improvement funding for administrative costs. We believe the language would permit fund redirections that may not match actual workload.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/710

Funding Water Quality and Water Rights Programs [Publication Details]

Feb 20, 2008 - We recommend applying the "polluter pays" funding principle more fully to the State Water Resources Control Board’s core water quality and water rights programs by (1) increasing existing fees to fully cover regulatory program costs, and (2) enacting a new broad-based fee to fully fund water quality management programs. Adopting our recommendations would create General Fund savings of $30.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/1754

Governor’s Climate Change Initiative [Publication Details]

Feb 23, 2006 - The budget proposes $7.2 million across several departments to implement the first steps in the Governor’s Climate Change Initiative—a series of strategies designed to reduce the state’s emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/1440

Propositions 12 and 13--Parks and Water Bonds: Implementation Issues [Publication Details]

May 25, 2000 - The two bond measures provide for a major investment in the state's natural resources. The purpose of the report is to identify actions the Legislature can take to ensure that the bond measures are implemented effectively, efficiently, and consistent with the Legislature's goals in enacting the measures. We also recommend actions to provide accountability for bond-funded expenditures.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/727

The Role of Water Transfers in Meeting California's Water Needs [Publication Details]

Sep 8, 1999 - If water transfers are to help the state meet its water needs, we think that the Legislature should address a number of issues, including impediments to transfers and stakeholder concerns about potential negative impacts of transfers on "third parties." Statutory policy on water transfers should be clarified and made more consistent.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/575

A Primer: California's Wildland Fire Protection System [Publication Details]

Apr 12, 2005 - California's wildland fire protection system involves multiple levels of government, requires significant levels of personnel and equipment, and relies on a complex series of interagency agreements. This primer is intended to assist the Legislature in understanding how wildland fire protection services are delivered and the major cost drivers affecting spending.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/1309

CALFED Bay-Delta Program: At A Funding Crossroads [Publication Details]

Feb 18, 2004 - The CALFED Bay-Delta Program—with a projected $6 billion funding gap—is at a funding crossroads. To date, the state has been the biggest funding contributor by far to the program, with federal and local governments and water users lagging in their support.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/1104

Information Technology at the Water Boards [Publication Details]

Feb 21, 2007 - On numerous occasions, the Legislature has stressed the fundamental role that management of data—including permitting, enforcement, and water quality—plays in assisting the State Water Resources Control Board carry out its mission.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/1593