$45 million earmarked for Salton Sea, Conversancy Groups, and Parks in 56th Assembly District
(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia reports that AB 2444, earned strong support in the Senate Natural Resources Committee and Senate Governance Finance Committee, passing on a vote of 6-2, and 4-1, respectively.
AB 2444 would enact the California Parks, Water, Climate, and Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2016, which, if approved by the voters, would authorize the issuance of $3.12 billion in State General Obligation bonds to finance parks and open space across the state with 20% of these funds being directed to disadvantaged communities.
“This bond has been put together through the collaboration of dozens of stakeholders groups across the state. Community members have indicated AB 2444 will serve as a model for the rest of the nation,” explained Garcia. “I’m excited to see this bond moving forward and thrilled that we also endeavored to forge a bi-partisan product in hopes that a wide range of California’s concerns and priorities could be addressed.”
The bill has now overcome an important deadline since July 1st is the last day for policy committees to meet and report bills. AB 2444 will be heard next in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
# # #
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.