[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

We have a budget crisis, why are we spending a dime on anything other than the essentials?

There is State Taxpayers money in this acquisition.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

calgov2002:

calgov2002: for old calgov2002 articles. 

calgov2002: for new calgov2002 articles. 

Other Bump Lists at: Free Republic Bump List Register

[mvpel]

The city of San Jose is also applying to the State Resources Agency for a $2 million grant for acquisition of land for trails. Profilgate waste of taxpayer money in the face of a multi-billion dollar budget deficit is rampant.

[Frohickey]

Actually, the $60 million was spent by the Save-the-Redwood(pulp)-League. But what you and I and every taxpayer in California should be incensed over is that here is 25,000 acres that is not property taxed anymore.

The Save-the-Redwood-League would be paying property tax on this property until they gave it to the state!!!

[Gophack]

Shore up his base vote, try and keep them from moving Green.

[Ben Ficklin]

That is probably 1/3 state money and 2/3 fed money from the Land and Water Consevation. The states' portion of LWCF is being currently funded 100% @ $450 million/year.

[mict42]

That's quite an acquisition, however, as size goes, that's just a MUIR WOODS.

[Fishing-guy]

Drove through that area few years back. That place is gorgeous.

[Liz]

Darn "tree-huggers" value plants over people.

[daviddennis]

I have been wandering Malibu Creek Park for exercise, and it is a beautiful place. (I have pictures to prove it.)

But I don't get the impression that the state has sufficient funds to maintain it with anything more than a minimal level of quality. I think the state would be better off maintaining what it has than buying more.

The Save the Redwoods folks got the state to finance most of the purchase, which I found interesting. Since the land is now the state's, I have to assume the mortgage obligation is likewise. This is just like Gray Davis' budget - no money spent now (since the Redwoods folks put in a sizable downpayment) but plenty in the future as the bonds come due.

Not very smart in my view.

D

[Frohickey]

Actually, there is not state taxpayer money in this acquisition unless you count the management of the property.

What is more alarming is that now, this $60 million land is not being property taxed. This means that less taxes is going to the state, and they would increase property tax rates in order to recoup this tax revenue loss.

Save-The-Redwoods League should still be paying the property tax incurred!

[RightWhale]

25,000 acres is nothing. Up here we lose that much to wildfires every day. A 100,000 acre wildfire doesn't usually make the news unless somebody had to grab their dog and rifle and run for it.

[VRWC_minion]

There is going to be one heck of a bonfire someday.