Posted by Kevin Slagle on August 29, 2000 at 12:32:25:
In Reply to: amendment of the week posted by Chris on August 28, 2000 at 12:21:26:
The current hang-up is unfortunately not about the habitat, science or even the merits of the "Rigs to Reefs" idea, its about money. As proposed, SB 241 would generate several hundred million dollars for a Marine Endowment (meaning only the interest could be used) to protect, restore and enhance California's coastal waters.
The Department of Fish and Game would like those funds to come to the state and not in an endowment fund (so the principle could be accessed). Also, DF&G would like the money to be controlled by the state, not an independent board.
If DF&G insists on those changes, the bill will lose the support of its author -- Dede Alpert -- and many of the groups that have supported 241.
Much is yet to be played out over the next few days.