U.S. Seeks Funds to Buy Land for Mountain Trail
The Interior Department has included $2.9 million in its appropriation request to Congress that could be used to help pay for parcels of land purchased along the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains.
The money--about 70% of an amount promised to 11 owners more than three years ago--is part of a $49-million appropriation for federal parkland acquisition now in Senate and House subcommittees.
In 1992, the National Park Service asked the state to buy 240 acres to help complete a central section of the 70-mile Backbone Trail. The state did not have the money at the time, so landowners were offered 10% down plus 8% annual interest. The total--$4.2 million, not including interest--was to be paid after the state received funds from the federal government.
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