Public Resources Code section 5096.124

Except as otherwise provided in this section or elsewhere in this chapter, all money deposited in the State, Urban, and Coastal Park Fund shall be available for appropriation as set forth in Section 5096.119 for the purposes set forth below in amounts not to exceed the following:

(a)

For grants to counties, cities, and districts for the acquisition, development, or restoration of real property for park, beach, recreational, and historical resources preservation purposes, including state administrative costs
$85,000,000

(b)

For acquisition, development, or restoration of real property for the state park system in accordance with the following schedule
$34,000,0000
Schedule:

(1)

Thirteen million dollars ($13,000,000) for acquisition and costs for planning and interpretation.

(2)

Twenty-one million dollars ($21,000,000) for development of real property, historical resources, and costs for planning and interpretation.

(c)

For acquisition of coastal recreational resources, consisting of real property for the state park system and costs of planning and interpretation
$110,000,000

(d)

For the acquisition or development of real property for wildlife management in accordance with the Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947 (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1300), Division 2, Fish and Game Code), including costs for planning and interpretation in accordance with the following schedule
$15,000,000
Schedule:

(1)

Ten million dollars ($10,000,000) for coastal projects.

(2)

Five million dollars ($5,000,000) for all projects, including coastal projects.

(e)

For recreational facilities of the State Water Facilities, as defined in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, of subdivision (d) of Section 12934 of the Water Code, for allocation in accordance with the following schedule
$26,000,000
Schedule:

(1)

Fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) to the Department of Parks and Recreation, of which up to six million dollars ($6,000,000) may be used for recreational facilities at Lake Elsinore, whether or not such facilities are a part of the State Water Facilities.

(2)

Five million dollars ($5,000,000) to the Department of Water Resources.

(3)

Six million dollars ($6,000,000) to the Department of Boating and Waterways.
It is the intent of the Legislature that funds expended pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) of this section may be used for the acquisition of parks, beaches, open-space lands, and historical resources, and for development rights and scenic easements in connection with such lands and resources, and, in the case of grants to counties, cities, and districts, also for the development or restoration of such lands or resources and that funds expended pursuant to subdivision (c) of this section be in accordance with the following criteria and priorities:

(1)

The first priority for the acquisition of coastal recreational resources is as follows:

(i)

Land and water areas best suited to serve the recreational needs of urban populations.

(ii)

Land and water areas of significant environmental importance, such as habitat protection.
(iii)Land and water areas in either of the above categories shall be given the highest priority when incompatible uses threaten to destroy or substantially diminish the resource value of such area.

(2)

The second priority for the acquisition of coastal recreational resources is as follows:

(i)

Land for physical and visual access to the coastline where public access opportunities are inadequate or could be impeded by incompatible uses.

(ii)

Remaining areas of high recreational value.
(iii)Areas proposed as a coastal reserve or preserve, including areas that are or include restricted natural communities, such as ecological areas that are scarce, involving only a limited area; rare and endangered wildlife species habitats; rare and endangered plant species ranges; specialized wildlife habitats; outstanding representative natural communities; sites with outstanding educational value; fragile or environmentally sensitive resources; and wilderness or primitive areas. Areas meeting more than one of these criteria may be considered as being especially important.

(iv)

Highly scenic areas that are or include landscape preservation projects designated by the Department of Parks and Recreation; open areas identified as being of particular value in providing visual contrast to urbanization, in preserving natural landforms and significant vegetation, in providing attractive transitions between natural and urbanized areas, or as scenic open space; and scenic areas and historical districts designated by cities and counties. All real property acquired pursuant to this chapter shall be acquired in compliance with Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 7260) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, and procedures sufficient to ensure compliance shall be prescribed by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
It is the further intent of the Legislature that funds granted pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section may be used by counties, cities, and districts for the acquisition, development, and restoration of public indoor recreational facilities, including enclosed swimming pools, gymnasiums, recreation centers, historical buildings, and museums. For development, the land must be owned by, or subject to a long-term lease to, the applicant county, city, or district. The lease shall be for a period of not less than 25 years from the date an application for a grant is made and shall provide that it may not be revoked at will during that period.

Source: Section 5096.124, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=5096.­124.­ (accessed Apr. 24, 2025).

Last Updated

Apr. 24, 2025

§ 5096.124’s source at ca​.gov