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CALIFORNIA BUDGET CUTS REINFORCE VALUE OF TOLL ROAD AGENCY'S $100 MILLION OFFER TO IMPROVE STATE PARKS
IRVINE, Calif. - November 7, 2007 - In light of this week's reports that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered 10 percent reductions in California's department budgets, the Transportation Corridor Agencies' offer to contribute $100 million for improvements to state parks and beaches clearly offers promise for the State Parks system. The parks department has a $1.2 billion backlog in upkeep.
TCA's offer, and the need for state funding, make extending the 241 Toll Road all the more important because the project addresses both transportation and the California State Parks deficit.
An offer of $100 million to the California State Parks system, including funds that could be used to extend the lease at San Onofre State Beach Park and Trestles Beach, was approved as part of plans to build the final 16 miles of the 241 Toll Road. State Parks may determine how to allocate the funds to best serve public resources.
"In light of the urgent budgetary needs in the state government, it makes all the more sense for the State Parks and Recreation Department to cease its unwarranted opposition to ending congestion on Interstate 5," said Lance MacLean, chairman of the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency. "Families slowed in vacation travel; commuters getting to work; businesses trying to deliver goods; emergency vehicles racing against the clock -- all will benefit once State Route 241 is completed."
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