San Francisco Bay voters approve landmark marsh restoration

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – San Francisco Bay Area voters appear to have approved a first-of-its-kind funding measure to restore wetlands of the West Coast’s largest estuary.

Results Wednesday morning show the nine-county funding measure receiving 69 percent support with all districts reporting. That’s more than the two-thirds approval needed.

Measure AA had broad backing from environmental groups and political leaders, including California Gov. Jerry Brown. The measure is expected to raise $500 million through a 20-year parcel tax in all nine counties.

David Lewis says the funding will let bay-area officials nearly double the 40,000 acres of tidal marsh that remain in the San Francisco Bay. That’s touted to protect against flooding, tides and climate change while helping Bay area wildlife and air quality.