EDITOR: The California Cattlemen
’s Association (CCA) expresses thanks to Gov. Gray Davis for
completely restoring subvention funding for the Williamson Act. The
announcement came in the governor’s May revision of the state
budget and after months of work by CCA to ensure that the
Williamson Act remained a viable way to protect
California’s open space and agricultural resources.
EDITOR:
The California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) expresses thanks to Gov. Gray Davis for completely restoring subvention funding for the Williamson Act. The announcement came in the governor’s May revision of the state budget and after months of work by CCA to ensure that the Williamson Act remained a viable way to protect California’s open space and agricultural resources.
We are very pleased that the governor has agreed to refund county subventions for the Williamson Act. We also appreciate the Legislature’s efforts to continue this program as well. The action to refund this program is an example of how our members working in cooperation with other organizations can make a difference to help keep family ranching in business in California.
The Williamson Act is California’s broadest-based conservation program, covering nearly 40 percent of the privately held land in the state. Since its passage in 1965, more than 16 million acres have been protected by the program which allows ranchers to exhibit their dedication to environmental stewardship and wildlife preservation. The Williamson Act is widely supported by agriculture and environmental organizations throughout the state and is one of the most successful land use programs ever developed.
Due to the overwhelming budget deficit that California is facing, in January the governor’s proposed budget included complete and permanent elimination of Williamson Act. The May budget revision proposes to restore $40.15 million in subventions to counties that have Williamson Act contracts.
Stan Van Vleck,
Co-chairman
CCA Land Use and Taxation committee,
Sacramento
