At a meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2009, the Mendocino County Republican Central Committee endorsed the annual $15 Park Vehicle Pass proposed by the Budget Conference Committee calling it “a common sense solution to funding State Parks”.

The $15 Park Vehicle Pass, paid at annual vehicle registration renewal, would allow the vehicle and all occupants free day use at any state park, beach or reserve operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The revenue generated by the Park Vehicle Pass would be used to fund State Parks operations and would provide a stable source of revenue independent from annual general fund budget deliberations.

The endorsement was in response to the Budget Conference Committee removing the Department of Parks and Recreation from the general fund budget. This would result in closing 220 of 279 state parks, beaches and reserves statewide and 19 of 20 State Parks facilities in Mendocino County unless another funding mechanism was adopted. To insure continued operation of State Parks facilities the Budget Conference Committee proposed the annual $15 Park Vehicle Pass.

In their letters to the Governor, the chairs of the Senate and Assembly Republican Caucuses and other Republican leaders around the state the County Central Committee described the potential economic impact of State Parks closures on coastal Mendocino County’s fragile economy and reminded them:

“Over many decades the state has purchased thousands of acres of land to hold in perpetuity for the preservation, protection and enjoyment of California residents. The proposed annual $15 Park Vehicle Pass would insure that goal could be attained. We believe that the Governor and all Republican legislators have a moral obligation to protect and enhance our State Park system for our children and grandchildren…” and urged their support for the $15 Park Vehicle Pass legislation.