California parks receive $250 million for infrastructure.

A one-time allocation of $250 million by the California state legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as part of the state's $131 billion spending plan will fix many problems in the state park system's infrastructure. The California Department of Parks and Recreation has a $1 billion backlog of maintenance issues, but the allotted funds should remedy many of the larger problems.

The official allocations of funds for projects will be made this month, but septic and water system problems are expected to take priority. For example, Ano Nuevo State Reserve has been forced to truck in water because of well problems since 1989 and Mt. Diablo State Park uses portable toilets and 1930s "pit toilets" because of a failing septic system. Projects to fix these problems are likely to top the list of funding priorities.