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A Cartographic Analysis of Water Development Referenda in Texas, 1957‐85
Author(s) -
SCHOOLMASTER F. ANDREW
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
growth and change
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.657
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1468-2257
pISSN - 0017-4815
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-2257.1987.tb00086.x
Subject(s) - cartography , geography , regional science
State‐level financial assistance programs for water projects are expected to become more important as federal funding levels drop and mechanisms change. In some western states such as Texas and California, constitutional restrictions are placed on tax and spending limits and the issuance of general obligation bonds to finance projects is subject to voter approval through a referendum process. Seven water‐related referenda have been held in Texas between 1957 and 1985. Election results indicate that through 1968 voters from across the state supported the concept of state‐level financial assistance for water projects and ratified three consecutive referenda, thus establishing the Water Development Fund and its $400 million authorization limit. Between 1969 and 1981, three amendments intended to increase authorization and expand the Fund's scope were defeated in elections that exhibited a regionalized voting pattern between East and West Texas voters. In 1985, this cleavage was not evident and the Water Development Fund was increased by an additional $980 million. These shifts reflect changes in voter perceptions of the state's water development policy and coincide with release of the 1968 and 1984 versions of the Texas Water Plan. The Texas experience, which is particularly relevant to California, could also be useful to other states considering similar state‐level financial programs that would require voter approval.