|
UC Regents Endorse Higher-Ed, K-12 BondsThe UC Board of Regents
this month endorsed the Facilities Bond Acts of 2002 and 2004, which
would provide funding for K-12 and higher education facility needs over
the next four years.
The 2002 Bond Act, which goes before voters this November, would
authorize more than $13 billion for K-12 and $1.65 billion for higher
education capital projects. The 2004 Bond Act would authorize $10 billion
for K-12 and $2.3 billion for higher education.
AB 16, the measure by Assemblyman Robert M. Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys)
that created the bond issues, also authorizes $651.3 million in lease
revenue bond funding for higher education that does not require voter
approval.
In all, AB 16 authorizes a total of $27 billion in general obligation
bond funds over four years to help fund K-12 and higher education facility
needs. The measure received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Legislature.
"If passed by California's voters, the two bond measures will provide
funding to accommodate enrollment growth, improve the seismic safety
of many UC buildings, and modernize many outdated facilities," UC President
Richard C. Atkinson said. "I believe it represents a crucial investment
in California's future."
UC would receive approximately $345 million per year for capital
outlay for the four years covered by the bond acts. Over this period,
UC's projected capital needs total $600 million per year. The University
expects enrollment growth of approximately 63,000 additional students
between 2000-2010.
The California State University and the California Community Colleges
would also receive capital projects funding.
Michael Reese/UCOP
|