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Assemblymember Kevin McCarty and Senator Richard Pan announce $12 million for Lower American River Parkway Public Access Improvements

For immediate release:

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – Assemblymember Kevin McCarty and Senator Richard Pan announce $12 million in state budget resources to fund over a dozen public access improvements along the Lower American River Parkway.

The American River Parkway (ARP) is a 32 mile parkway that runs along the American River —from Folsom Lake to Discovery Park. The Parkway includes many smaller parks and boat launching points offering activities such as fishing, swimming, kayaking, and running. 

“The American River Parkway is our local treasure enjoyed by thousands of Sacramentans and their families, including mine” said Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. “Unfortunately, we haven’t kept pace on expanding public access and making necessary upgrades, especially along the lower stretch of the Parkway. The projects we’re funding will make the Parkway more accessible and enjoyable for future generations.” 

In 2016, Assemblymember McCarty established the Lower American River Conservancy to protect and enhance the Parkway. This year, funds for the Parkway were secured through the 2021 California State budget and will be used for multiple projects to promote public access including:

•    City of Sacramento – Two Rivers Bike Trail: Bike and pedestrian trail linking Sutter’s Landing Park and Discovery Park. 
•    Sacramento Valley Conservancy – Camp Pollock: Observation deck, outdoor classroom, boat launch and a public art mural project.
•    County of Sacramento – Woodlake Gateway River Access: New restroom, increased parking and a new bike trail connection.
•    City of Sacramento – Sutter’s Landing Park: Concession stand for kayak/paddleboard rentals and refreshments, public art mural, Master Plan update, parking lot safety improvements and $2 million in reserve funds for future public access investments. 
•    Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps – Jobs for underserved youth corps members to assist with habitat restoration and preservation.

“The American River Parkway is a jewel of the Sacramento region and a natural habitat that our community enjoys and appreciates,” said Dr. Richard Pan, State Senator. “I am thrilled to partner with Assemblymember McCarty to secure an additional $12 million in state funding to increase access to and preserve this beautiful river habitat and ecosystem.”

“The American River Parkway is Sacramento’s single greatest natural resource that deserves our attention, care and enhancement, said Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna.  The funding secured to fulfill these obligations advances our collective interest in protecting and improving what is the envy of so many other communities across our state and nation.”

“We appreciate Assemblymember McCarty’s support of the American River Parkway and for the legislation he carried in 2016 to create the Lower American River Parkway Conservancy,” said Councilmember Jeff Harris. “These new State funds will lead to greater access to and enjoyment of the Sutter's Landing and Camp Pollock areas of the Parkway. Along with recent acquisitions of land by the Conservancy, Sutter’s Landing Regional Park is becoming a real gem for the community!”
 
“The Lower American River Parkway is an environmental and recreational treasure,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “I want to thank Assemblymember McCarty for delivering money for improvements that will both preserve it and allow adults and children alike to experience it more fully for play and learning.”
 
“Camp Pollock has been a haven for wildlife and outdoor recreation in the Lower American River Parkway for nearly a century,” said Kelly Hopkins, Executive Director of Sacramento Valley Conservancy. “This funding will allow SVC to make critical infrastructure and access improvements that will be enjoyed by the community for many years to come.” 

These budget investments to activate the Parkway will work in tandem with successful legislative efforts to transition homeless off of the American River and into safer housing options.  Recent legislation, AB 175, authorizes the City, County and Cal Expo to utilize Lot Z to house hundreds of homeless individuals currently camping along the river. 

 

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Kevin McCarty represents California’s 7th Assembly District, which include the cities of Sacramento, West Sacramento and unincorporated Sacramento County. McCarty serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance.