$12 Million Voted to Expand Santa Monica Mountain Parks

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday to provide $12 million to purchase additional parkland in the Santa Monica Mountains, a larger sum than has been appropriated in recent years. The measure was sent to the Senate, which is expected to pass it soon.

“We have been saying for years that it is more cost effective to buy parkland in the mountains now, instead of waiting until later when it will be more expensive,” Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Tarzana) said.

“We have also continuously pointed out the potential this park has to attract more visitors than any other unit of the park system.”

The $12 million, the largest sum earmarked for any area in the National Park System during the fiscal year that began Sunday, was contained in a Department of Interior appropriations bill. The spending figures were worked out last week by a bipartisan conference of key House and Senate members.

Among the properties that officials hope to purchase is Corral Canyon, a 339-acre parcel in Malibu owned by entertainer Bob Hope, said Joseph T. Edmiston, executive director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Hope is seeking to build an oceanfront golf course and expensive homes in the canyon and two subsidiary canyons.