Davis Sends $2-Billion Parks Bond to Voters

Gov. Gray Davis visited Will Rogers State Historic Park on Tuesday to sign into law legislation that will place a record $2.1-billion parks bond measure on the March ballot.

The measure, the largest parks bond in American history and the first in California since 1988, would result in hundreds of millions of dollars for Los Angeles parks and recreational facilities.

“Placing the parks bond on the ballot is truly a historic milestone in California’s effort to ensure the expansion and care of our irreplaceable natural resources,” said Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa (D-Los Angeles), who will be chairman of the pro-bond campaign. “I hope all Californians join me in supporting this bond next March.”

Of the $2.1 billion, 35% would be spent on local parks, 26% on state parks, 17% on conservancies, 13% on wildlife and land acquisition, and 5% on parks for low-income and at-risk youth. The remainder would be spent on the California Conservation Corps, urban forestry grants and agricultural land conservation projects, among other things.

“These funds will provide for significant acquisitions in the Santa Monica Mountains, protect wildlife and extend hiking trails so that the people of Southern California can enjoy these beautiful mountains,” said Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica).

The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy would receive $35 million, while $25 million would be spent on Santa Monica Bay projects.