For Immediate Release	Contact:	Michael Simonsen
February 7, 2003		619-236-6616 619-884-7335 Cell

SAN DIEGO RIVER PARK ALLIANCE APPROVES PLAN TO PURCHASE PORTIONS OF THE SAN DIEGO RIVER

San Diego - Mayor Dick Murphy, Councilmember Donna Frye and County Supervisor Dianne Jacob today announced that the San Diego River Park Alliance approved plans for $6 million in land purchases and projects to begin creating a regional park along the length of the San Diego River.

In a unanimous vote, the Alliance approved recommending to the State Resources Agency three Proposition 40 grant requests for projects to implement the San Diego River Park. If the state approves the recommendations of the San Diego River Alliance, up to 120 acres of the San Diego River and wildlife habitat will be acquired.

"This is the first step of many to preserve and restore the San Diego River for future generations," said Mayor Murphy. "These projects will further our plan to create a river park from the headwaters near Julian to the Pacific Ocean."

The first request is for $1 million to acquire a major parcel of land in Mission Valley located at the northeastern corner of Qualcomm Way and Camino del Rio North. The site is approximately 21 acres and includes the river, riparian habitat and some upland habitat. The parcels are in a strategic location for the San Diego River Park, providing both habitat preservation and restoration opportunities.

The second request is for $4.2 million to acquire and restore up to 100 acres of land in and adjacent to the San Diego River in Lakeside. This proposed project will significantly enhance flood protection, water quality and recharge, and wildlife habitat.

The acquisition of this Lakeside parcel is vital to expanding, preserving and protecting upstream habitat which can enhance natural river functions by increasing the San Diego River's surface. It also may help reduce the impact of flooding through the city of San Diego's highly urbanized Mission Valley. Plans for this area include a nature and cultural center, a heritage park and a trail, as well as a water quality and pollution control program.

"This incredible opportunity is a big step forward to realize our vision for the San Diego River," said County Supervisor Dianne Jacob.

The Alliance also approved a request for $620,000 to remove silt near the Old Mission Dam to prevent it from damaging the structure. The project involves dredging and removing 950 cubic yards of silt from behind the Old Mission Dam in Mission Trails Regional Park. The project is expected to protect the historic dam while improving public access and maintaining nearby trails. Approval of this project is important due to the protected National Historic Site status of the dam.

"The unanimous support of these projects by the Alliance recognizes the need to protect and preserve all parts of the river - not just those portions that benefit individual jurisdictions," said Councilmember Donna Frye.

The grants being requested from the State Resources Agency come from Proposition 40 money which was appropriated in Fiscal Year 2002-2003 by the state Legislature. Governor Gray Davis announced the $12 million grant for the San Diego River Park at a press conference in San Diego last September.

San Diego River Park Alliance members include Mayor Murphy, State Senator Dede Alpert, State Assemblymember Christine Kehoe, San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, Santee Mayor Randy Voepel, San Diego Councilmember Donna Frye, San Diego Councilmember Jim Madaffer, San Diego River Foundation Executive Director JoAnn Anderson and Helix Water District Board Member James Lewanski.

The State Resources Agency is expected to decide on the grant requests in the next several months.

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