November’s ballot just got a bit more crowded.

A $5.4 billion natural resources bond backed by environmental groups recently qualified. Most notably for the Valley, it includes $100 million for San Joaquin River restoration, $36 million for the San Joaquin River Conservancy, and $180 million in grants to small communities for safe drinking water.

Other money would go for water quality, flood control, parks and conservation. There is money for water storage studies but no funds for building dams.

That upsets Assembly Member Juan Arambula, D-Fresno, and others pushing for a dam near Temperance Flat.

“Some people got what they wanted, and we were left out,” Arambula said.

Passage of the measure is not certain. Voters have been reluctant to approve new spending: A library bond and a preschool initiative both went down in June’s primary.

On November’s ballot is a $37 billion infrastructure bond package for roads, schools, housing and levee repair.

Money for San Joaquin River restoration also looks to be included in the state budget.

Lawmakers are still negotiating the 2006-07 spending plan, but the latest proposal is said to include about $10 million for restoration. The money would be distributed over three years beginning next year.

Bee staff writers Michael Doyle, Kerri Ginis, George Hostetter, Eric Lacayo, Matt Leedy and E.J. Schultz contributed to this report. The reporters can be reached at mdoyle@mcclatchydc.com, kginis@fresnobee.com, ghostetter@fresnobee.com, elacayo@fresnobee.com, mleedy@fresnobee.com, eschultz@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6330. Send suggestions for the Political Notebook to metro@fresnobee.com.