(Sacramento) – Standing near the edge of the American River Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) announced he has introduced legislation to establish the Lower American River Conservancy (LARC). Assemblymember McCarty says the legislation (Assembly Bill 1716) will make the river eligible for additional state resources. “The American River Parkway is vitally important to the people, economy and culture of the Sacramento region,” said Assemblymember McCarty. “By establishing this conservancy we will improve access to Sacramento’s most important natural resource and preserve the surrounding habitat for future generations.” Here’s more in this Assembly Access video.
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) joined by Assemblymember Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova), Dr. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna, and Sacramento City Councilmember Jeff Harris at Discovery Park announce Assembly Bill (AB) 1716, which would create the Lower American River Conservancy.
“The American River Parkway is vitally important to the people, economy, and culture of the Sacramento region,” said Assemblymember McCarty, “By establishing this conservancy, we will improve public access to Sacramento’s most important natural resource and preserve the surrounding habitat for future generations.”
“This bill will help protect and improve the American River Parkway system,” said Assemblymember Ken Cooley. “As a local leader, I was instrumental a dozen years ago when local monies were approved as Measure A to ensure that it included stronger connections to the parkway. This bill continues this work of mine.”
“As the crown jewel of Sacramento, our waterways and riverfronts hold unparalleled potential, yet continue to go underutilized,” said Dr. Richard Pan. “This forward-thinking approach will not only help preserve one of our most precious natural treasures, but also bring new life to the American River Parkway.”
“As we do on many other fronts, we work as a team to protect and enhance what’s important to our community. In this case, it means doing everything we can to best position the American River Parkway for receipt of future state funding to enrich Parkway visitors’ experience,” said Supervisor Serna who has been working closely with Assemblyman McCarty’s office on draft bill language.
"The American River Parkway is a vital part of who we are as Sacramentans and contributes significantly to our quality of life and economy. The Lower American River Conservancy will help us secure more state funding to make the Parkway even better and to restore areas ravaged by recent fires. The Conservancy proposal will help us leave an even better American River Parkway for our kids and future generations," said Sacramento City Councilmember Jeff Harris.
Below are audio clips from Assemblymember McCarty about the American River Conservancy:
Assemblymember McCarty says he enjoyed the American River Parkway when he was a kid and his legislation will make sure future generations of children also enjoy the American River. (:22)
Assemblymember McCarty says his legislation will make it easier to secure state funds to upgrade the American River Parkway. (:11)
Sacramento resident Holly Whitman says her family – especially her two daughters – really enjoy the Parkway. (:08)
Opening remarks from Assemblymember Kevin McCarty at today’s American River Conservancy news conference. (1:17)
The American River Parkway encompasses 5,000 acres of riverfront accessible by bikers and pedestrians. State conservancies provide a framework for allocating state funds to enhance and protect natural lands and waterways. Since 1996, of the $740 million of state bond and general funds allocated to rivers, $660 million has gone to rivers with state conservancies however, the American River has only received $3 million. By establishing the Lower American River Conservancy, the river will be eligible for additional state resources. AB 1716 will be eligible for hearings this spring.