FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: February 11, 2004
Contact: Jennifer Stone (619) 531-4766

COUNTY SECURES MAJOR GRANT TO CLEANUP AND RESTORE PUBLIC PARKS

SAN DIEGO - San Diego County parks and open spaces ravaged by the fires of 2003 soon will be the focus of more cleanup and restoration. Supervisors today voted to accept more than $1.2 million in federal funds that were sought in December at the request of Chairwoman Dianne Jacob and Supervisor Bill Horn.

"This grant is wonderful for two reasons," said Chairwoman Jacob. "First, it greatly enhances the County's ongoing efforts to restore the health of our public parks. Second, it will provide employment to residents, particularly those who may be without work because of the fires, " Jacob said.

Fifth District Supervisor Bill Horn said, "In addition to those who lost their property, all of our citizens were impacted by damage to our parks. County parks enhance the quality of our lives. This is a great opportunity for the County to be involved in providing jobs for people who are in need of work."

The grant will create temporary jobs to assist in the cleanup and restoration efforts. Priority to participate in the grant will first be given to people who have experienced temporary or permanent job loss or the inability to work as a result of business activities being disrupted by the fire disaster

The temporary jobs will be concentrated in areas with the most severe damage to public facilities and infrastructure. Eligible workers will be able to be employed up to six months, or 1,040 hours. The maximum wage paid to a participating worker will be $12,000.

Procedures for job applicants are now being finalized. For more information contact: Amy Harbert, County of San Diego Parks and Recreation, 858-694-3044.