FROMMER INTRODUCES BILL ON PARKS FUNDING.

Byline: Helen Gao Staff Writer

GLENDALE - State Assemblyman Dario Frommer announced Wednesday that he introduced a bill to establish a $100 million fund to create urban parks, park facilities and youth service centers throughout the state.

``We are watching our cities grow by enormous numbers, but there is no corresponding growth in the development of parks and open space in the local level,'' said Frommer, D-Glendale.

In the next 20 years, he said, California is estimated to grow by 12 million people, 2 million of whom will be children.

``The big question for us is where are these children going to play?'' he said.

Frommer unveiled the bill at a press conference held at the San Fernando Park project in Burbank in front of a group of about 25 people.

The funding proposed by the bill will come out of the state general fund. The water, parks and wildlife committee is scheduled to hear the bill April 3. It's expected to hit the Assembly floor in mid- or late May.

Dan Reeves, chief of staff for the assemblyman, said if the bill passes, the plan is to give priority funding to cities that have come up with their own funding.

``I don't think any city by itself can come up with the necessary funds to acquire the land and then do the development,'' he said. ``This is a good example of where the state can step in to assist a local government to build a great park project.''

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo: FROMMER