Assembly-member holds round table discussion on California Park Bond

Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia had a busy day of events in Imperial County on Thursday.

Part of his agenda included a discussion he hosted at his offices in Imperial County regarding the 2018 Park Bond for Californians.

Assemblymember Garcia was held up at another event and was unable to attend the discussion but his team filled in for him.

“The bond is going to be bringing in as we discussed a 200 million dollar pot for The New River and Salton Sea, but that’s not the biggest piece of it. There’s about 725 million dollars that Mr. Garcia has been working on for a long time that would work for park poor communities and these are competitive grants,” explained Catherin Freeman, Chief Consultant with Assembly Water Parks & Wildlife Committee.

Upon voter approval, the bill would reallocate funds in unissued bonds purposed for other propositions.

The reallocated funds would then finance the purposes of a drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection, and an outdoor access for all programs.

A challenge brought up in today’s discussion was identifying a park by its surrounded demographic.

“It’s specifically providing access to parks, new access to parks where communities of color is especially prioritized,” said Mark Rossow, Legislative Assistant with the Office of Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia.

Another topic on the agenda, funds for the Salton Sea and The New River.

“Should we assume that $20 million is going to go to the Salton Sea or is that 30 million, can it be all taken up by The New River project leaving the Salton Sea with just the 170,” asked Antonio Ortega, Governmental Affairs with Imperial Irrigation District.

“If we can get the $170 million dollars plus a few other pieces, there some wildlife conservation board money, there boating money in here, then it seems like that $70 million dollars for the Salton Sea and Salton Sea Authority can be adjusted,” added Freeman.