Planned state park for Stanislaus County survives major cuts in Newsom’s budget
The planned Dos Rios Ranch State Park escaped the budget cuts proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom amid a $22 billion deficit.
The site 10 miles southwest of Modesto could have its first visitors by the end of 2023 if lawmakers and Newsom agree on a budget by June.
The park would go on part of 2,100 acres where the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers meet. It has undergone a decade of floodplain restoration but has not yet had regular public access.
The park could begin with basics such as parking and restrooms for day use. It could add picnic areas, camping and other features over perhaps 10 years.
The current state budget has $5 million for planning of the park. Newsom proposed another $5.84 million Tuesday in his initial budget for the fiscal year that will start July 1.
The $297 billion spending plan reflects a flip from a $97 billion surplus to a $22 billion deficit, due mainly to reduced income taxes. Newsom will present a revised budget in May.
The $5.84 million would fund 17 park employees, 21 vehicles and other equipment in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Future annual costs are estimated at $3.32 million.
“Once acquired, public access will be provided in phases with the potential of people being able to enjoy certain activities sometime in 2023,” said an email from Gloria Sandoval, deputy director of public affairs at the California Department of Parks and Recreation. “Opportunities to access more developed facilities, such as campgrounds and picnic areas, will come at a later date, following a robust public engagement and planning process.”
Dos Rios will help improve access to nature for underserved Central Valley residents, agency Director Armando Quintero said during a visit last May to the site.
About $46 million has been spent on acquiring and restoring Dos Rios by the nonprofit River Partners and public and private allies.
It would be the second state park fully within Stanislaus County. The other is Turlock Lake State Recreation Area, closed for now due to lack of a concessionaire.
The county has a portion of Coe State Park in the hills in its southwest corner. Two other parks, Caswell and Hatfield, are just across rivers that border the county.
This story was originally published January 12, 2023 at 12:07 PM.
