New Bond Prioritizes Parks for Disadvantaged Communities
(SACRAMENTO) - Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia announces his bill, the California Water, Climate, and Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2016, AB 2444, passed the Assembly Floor, garnering bi-partisan support with a vote of 56-18.
"It has been 14 years since California last approved a "true park bond," said Assemblymember Garcia.
The protracted economic downturn in 2008 had a disproportionate impact on the local, regional, and state parks infrastructure as services and investments associated with this type of infrastructure were, viewed as less critical and were subject to cuts. There has been particularly high demand in both urban and rural disadvantaged communities where many still lack access to safe parks, trails, recreation areas, and access to the great outdoors.
"Parks serve as one of the cornerstones of our communities. They provide a place for recreation across all demographics, especially within communities facing harder economic challenges," said Assemblymember Garcia. "Our poorest are still coming up short when it comes to the expansion and improvement of parks."
"Assemblymember Garcia has crafted a bi-partisan solution that ensures every corner of this state benefits from this bond, particularly the disadvantaged and rural communities that have often been left out," said Speaker Anthony Rendon. "Being outside and in nature provides a wide array of benefits for children. This bond helps make sure all our kids can access and enjoy parks."
This bill funds towards many issues including state park deferred maintenance to address the need outlined in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Plan of 2015 which cited that 55% of 300 local and regional park directors had claimed rehabilitation of existing parks as the highest priority.
Additionally AB 2444 will provide funds to maintain open spaces, ensure that funding is available for climate preparedness and habitat rehabilitation in our parks. Funds will also be available for our urban creeks and for ensuring that our watersheds are maintained or rehabilitated.
AB 2444 will now advance to the Senate.
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Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) serves as the as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy. He represents the 56th district, which comprises the cities and communities of Blythe, Brawley, Bermuda Dunes, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, Mecca, Oasis, North Shore, Salton Sea, Thermal, Thousand Palms, and Westmorland
