Funds Requested to Pay Property Owners

U.S. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt has requested $2.9 million from Congress to pay off a long-standing debt to landowners along the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains, a Southern California congressman announced Friday.

The trail--a wild haven for hikers and bird watchers that stretches from Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles County north along the coast of Ventura County--is considered one of the jewels of the Santa Monica Mountains.

The appropriation--about 70% of an amount promised to 11 owners of property along the trail more than three years ago--is part of a $49-million appropriation for federal parkland acquisition now hung up in congressional subcommittees. One of the parcels is off Little Sycamore Canyon Road in Ventura County.

Melissa Kuckro, legislative aide to Rep. Tony Bielenson (D-Woodland Hills), said she expects the Senate and House committees to act on the request next week.

“The congressman has lobbied very hard for the money, but we’re hesitant to start cheering until it’s in hand,” she said. Bielenson was not available for comment.

A spokesperson for the National Park Service said Babbitt could make the announcement of the settlement during a visit to Southern California next week.

The next hurdle would be dividing the funds, which are $1.3 million short of the amount owed.

Edmiston said he had already begun to negotiate with the property owners and expected to finalize a deal soon if the money is released to an escrow account.

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” he said.