Argument in Favor of Proposition 192

``Bridge strengthening works. Our research proves that recent advances in engineering technology prompted by these major earthquakes will save lives, reduce damage and preserve California's economic vitality.''

We live in one of the earth's most active earthquake zones. We hear most about the ones that level entire neighborhoods, collapse freeways and bridges, cause loss of life and billions of dollars in damage.

But the truth is Californians are battered by hundreds of earthquakes and aftershocks each year. The cumulative effect is severe, hidden deterioration threatening future loss of life and social disruption.

Nowhere is that damage more critical than to the most vulnerable elements of our transportation system--bridges and highway overpasses.

Eight major bridges and over 1,000 highway bridge crossings critically need strengthening and repair to assure they will not collapse in the next earthquake.

Proposition 192 deserves your Yes vote because:

• EARTHQUAKE REINFORCEMENT WORKS. Every bridge strengthened in Southern California with state-of-the-art technology came through the Northridge quake intact, keeping emergency relief and commerce flowing.
• DISASTER RECOVERY IS IMPROVED. When highways or freeways are seriously damaged in earthquakes, problems are not just limited to the areas of damage. An entire system used by tens of thousands of motorists is paralyzed for miles around, obstructing firefighters, rescue workers and relief supplies. And it undermines our state's economy for years.
• EVERY CALIFORNIAN WILL BENEFIT. Funds for critically needed highway and passenger rail projects throughout California are being shifted to pay for earthquake safety repairs. Proposition 192 will ensure that important highway and rail safety, repair and construction projects will not be delayed or eliminated. Proposition 192 will help revitalize our economy by creating jobs.
• WE CAN'T WAIT. Without passage of Proposition 192, safety repairs will fall further behind. California has suffered two devastating earthquakes in six years. The next could happen tomorrow.
• TIME IS MONEY. Historically, earthquake damage on state highways has led to the loss of billions of dollars to our economy as we are forced to adjust to closed freeways and bridges. The cost of rebuilding siphons billions away from other essential public services.
• BRIDGE STRENGTHENING IS CHEAPER THAN RECONSTRUCTION. Retrofitting can be completed at 10\ of rebuilding costs.
• FUNDS MAY BE SPENT ONLY ON EARTHQUAKE SAFETY REPAIRS. They cannot be diverted to other uses.
  

Ronny J. Coleman, State Fire Marshal:
``Earthquake devastation always slows down or stops our firefighters, police, rescue workers and relief supplies from getting where they're needed. That's why retrofitting our bridges is such a pressing need.''

Proposition 192 will save lives and keep California working. Vote YES on Proposition 192.
KIRK WEST
President, California Chamber of Commerce

RICHARD ANDREWS
Director, State Office of Emergency Services

MAURICE HANNIGAN
Retired Commissioner, California Highway Patrol