Kramer said that, because the project has been halted for nearly a year, it is expected to open by the end of 2010. The original opening date would have been the beginning of 2010.
The 35-acre, ocean view campground at Crystal Cove is likely to be one of the last ocean campgrounds to ever be built in the state, and promises a huge economic boon to the region.
Kramer said the project was put at the top of the “restart” list because it was substantially complete and because “it will generate significant funds for the state when it opens.”
A meeting with the contractor, Los Angeles Engineering, is scheduled for this week.
Ironically, the struggling economy has helped keep restart costs low, Kramer added. “Bids came in much lower [than expected]. The stars have aligned. We are very pleased to be able to bring back jobs to the area.”
The site will need to be cleaned up and some exposed structures replaced, but erosion is not a big problem, he said. The campground’s grading, utilities, sewer and water system, plus the foundations for restrooms and other infrastructure was completed when the project was shuttered January 21 because the contractor could not be assured that bills would be paid by the state.
The campground and RV park replaces the El Morro Village mobile home park, which stood for more than 50 years at the location. The lessee of the site fought a protracted legal battle to stop the state from taking it over and turning it into a public facility.
