Deukmejian’s Budget Includes CSUN Project

The state budget unveiled Wednesday by Gov. George Deukmejian includes $30 million for long-planned classrooms at Cal State Northridge but otherwise envisions no major new projects in the San Fernando Valley area.

The governor’s $53.7-billion budget would continue state support for several projects under way, including a widening of the Ventura Freeway and improvements at Los Encinos State Park in Encino.

“Other than Northridge, it’s a bare-bones budget that reflects maintenance of existing programs and very little new program,” Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) said.

The improvements at CSUN have been in the planning for more than five years. They include a $26-million, four-building complex that will serve 3,800 full-time business, economics and education students. Construction is expected to begin this fall.

“For the last five years or more Cal State Northridge has faced serious overcrowding and space constraints,” said Bill Chatham, CSUN associate vice president for facilities and operations. “This project . . . will relieve the overcrowding.”

Deukmejian’s budget also anticipates continued funding of a $41-million project to widen the Ventura Freeway between Universal City and Woodland Hills.

The widening will give the freeway 10 lanes in that section, which in some places now has only eight. Caltrans has awarded a contract, and work is expected to begin soon.

The budget proposes a new allocation of $1.7 million to operate continue running two Amtrak train lines, including one from Santa Barbara to San Diego that has three Valley stops.

But state Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Tarzana) said more money is needed to improve the Valley portion of the line, especially to construct a siding at the General Motors plant in Van Nuys, where commuter trains are sometimes delayed by freight trains serving the plant.

Robbins and other Valley legislators reacted with uncertainty to Deukmejian’s proposal to cut $52 million from the Metro Rail project, which they said could set back efforts to extend it into the Valley. Robbins said he asked Caltrans officials for a briefing today on the matter.

Deukmejian’s budget seeks money for two park projects. It contains $250,000 to begin site preparation for an off-road vehicle park in Hungry Valley, near Gorman in the northwest corner of Los Angeles County, and $115,000 to finish renovating Garnier House in Los Encinos State Park as a visitors center.

Deukmejian also wants to give an extra $5 million to community colleges facing rapid enrollment growth. Among institutions that could benefit are Moorpark College and College of the Canyons in Valencia.

The budget would continue funding for a job-training program in Glendale operated by the California National Guard. It prepares minority youths for entry-level jobs in both military and private business.