Congress Provides Additional Funds for Land Acquisition in the Santa Monica Mountains

The funds were secured in the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior and Environment appropriations bill, which was recently agreed upon by members of both the House and Senate. The Senate is expected to pass the legislation, and a signature from President Obama is assured, according to Congressman Sherman.

"Congressman Sherman always remembers the Santa Monica Mountains,” said National Park Service Superintendent Woody Smeck. "The congressman’s help is always appreciated and he should be applauded for his commitment.”

Congressman Sherman has been dedicated to expanding the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area since he was elected to Congress in 1997. With these additional funds, Sherman has won over $20 million for projects to preserve and expand the park. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the nation’s largest urban national park, and it is estimated that it receives over 35 million visits each year.

“The park is a national treasure, right here, in the Valley’s back yard.” Sherman said. “I am pleased that I was able to acquire funds to grow its boundaries and preserve the natural habitat.”

Sherman, along with Senator Feinstein and Representative Berman, requested the funding, which will be used to acquire land for the Santa Monica Mountain National Recreation Area.