10/02/2008 GAAS:702:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Gov. Schwarzenegger Highlights New Legislation to Revitalize California Communities
Building on his work to protect California's natural habitats, parklands and open spaces,
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today joined with state legislators, local
electeds, environmentalists and park advocates to highlight the signing of
legislation to revitalize communities across California. AB
31 by Assemblymember Kevin de León (D-Los
Angeles) will provide $400 million from Proposition 84
for new parks directed to those communities most in need. AB
2494 by Assemblymember Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) will help lift up
communities who lack not only parks but also affordable housing. It rewards
local governments that meet affordable housing goals with $200 million from
Proposition 1C to build parks and recreation facilities.
"It's important that all communities in California enjoy the
benefits of parks and open space, from the huge pieces of pristine territory we
have worked to preserve in recent years to the urban neighborhood parks that
will be made possible with this legislation," Governor Schwarzenegger said.
Since taking office, Governor Schwarzenegger has worked
aggressively to preserve California's
natural resources and open spaces:
- He announced the designation of 40,000 acres of the Irvine Land Ranch Reserve - the first to be designated through the California Natural Landmarks Program.
- The Sierra Nature Conservancy sets aside 25 million acres from the Oregon border to Kern County.
- The Hearst Ranch purchase preserves 128 square miles of pristine rangeland that includes 18 miles of spectacular coastline along scenic Highway One.
- Keeping California's roadless areas roadless, a petition to keep 4.4 million acres of inventoried roadless areas off limits to any further development - 21 percent of California's 18 national forests.
- His Ocean Action Plan goes above and beyond federal requirements to keep our oceans and coastlines clean and safe.
- To date, First Lady Maria Shriver and CaliforniaVolunteers have built 24 community play spaces, as part of Shriver's WE Build Playgrounds Initiative, which serve thousands of children throughout California.
