(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Assembly Natural Resources Committee passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1716, which would create the Lower American River Conservancy, today on a vote of 6 to 0.
“We have long thought of the American River Parkway as a jewel of our community. This bill would go a long way to ensuring that we can continue to improve public access to Sacramento’s most important natural resource and preserve the surrounding habitat for future generations,” said Assemblymember McCarty upon passage of the bill.
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 moves next to the Appropriations Committee.