County To Approve $1 Billion Land Deal

"Riverside County... is home to scores of fast-disappearing plant and animal species [whose] habitat is being eaten up by encroaching development, and now road and housing projects in sensitive areas face lengthy, expensive delays when building permits are sought... Public funds combined with development fees and incentives would be used to acquire up to 153,000 acres that are home to 146 endangered or potentially endangered species. That would be added to 350,000 acres of existing public lands, including the San Bernardino National Forest. In exchange, under the proposal, the U.S. Interior Department would grant a giant "take" permit in 14 cities and the county."

Thanks to Governing News