“Now we don’t have enough money to move forward [with restoration],” Davick said. “We were set to do the next step in March.”
The campground project, funded from Proposition 12, is one of hundreds of park projects and other construction jobs funded by state bonds that have been put on a list of projects to be shut down or suspended by the state’s Pooled Money Investment Board.
The Historic District project had a $1.45-million grant from the California Cultural Endowment Fund, obtained from Proposition 40, plus a matching grant from the California Conservancy, Davick said.
On Dec. 17, the Crystal Cove Alliance was informed both grants had been pulled, Davick said.
“We’ve already spent $700,000 on drawings and plans,” she said.
At the historic district, a museum, restoration of several more of the “vernacular” cottages dating from the 1930s, and an outdoor educational commons were slated to begin construction.
Ken Kramer, Orange Coast District superintendent for the state Department of Parks and Recreation, said the construction halt at the RV park is temporary, but he does not know when workers will be back on the job.
The campground project is 40% complete. The contractor decided to shut down the project Jan. 21 until the firm could be assured it will be paid for the work, Kramer said.
“The governor has issued a directive to temporarily suspend projects with bond funding,” Kramer said. “We are disappointed and frustrated, and hopeful for a resolution so the project can get started again.”
Kramer said that grading, utilities, sewer and water system, foundations for restrooms, and other infrastructure has been completed at the site, but there is still much more work to be done, and the shut-down will only add to the final cost.
