Facing crippling deficits that have threatened California's vaunted quality of life, the discovery of more than $286 million in state accounts will come as a welcome relief. A sweeping state audit, however, raises more questions than it answers.
It turns out the shocking discovery of $54 million hidden untapped in two of the California Department of Parks and Recreation's funds, as mass park closures loomed, was just the tip of the iceberg. more than $286.5 million that "lawmakers were unaware of as they repeatedly cut government services."
"The new discovery includes about $30 million for healthcare programs,
almost $29 million for reimbursing crime victims and $12.5 million for
cleaning up underground petroleum tanks. It follows revelations that
nearly $113 million was languishing in a recycling program funded with
consumers' bottle deposits and $54 million had gone unreported by state
parks officials.
The irregularities are a particular distraction for [Gov.] Brown as he pushes
voters to pass billions of dollars in tax increases on the November
ballot. Recent opinion polls have suggested many voters want some sign
that California's fiscal house is being put in order before they will
give more money to Sacramento."
FULL STORY: California finds $119 million more in untapped funds

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
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Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
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MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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