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Chief Administrative Office recommending Chairman be authorized to sign letter to the California State Park and Recreation Commission in support of the Sutter's Mill reconstruction and relocation project, and general plan amendment for Marshall Gold Discovery State Park.
FUNDING: N/A
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Background: On October 8, 2009 the California State Park and Recreation Commission will be considering a proposal from the California State Parks Department to amend the 1979 General Plan at Marshall Gold Discovery State Park.
In 1979 the Commission rejected the use of public funds to relocate Sutter's Mill from its current location to its original location on the American River. The 1979 Plan envisioned a complete realignment of the American River back to its original historic position, stabilization of the river bank, excavation and removal of the original historic mill timbers from the river, restoration of the mill tailrace and a complete reconstruction of Sutter's Mill in the River. The Commission ultimately approved the General Plan but rejected the ambitious proposal to relocate the mill, noting by resolution that, "Public money shall not be expended on the relocation of Sutter's Mill."
The current mill replica was built in 1968 and is in a state of disrepair. State Parks has identified reconstruction of the mill as a high priority project. State Parks is requesting Commission approval of a General Plan amendment allowing for use of $1.9 million in Proposition 84 bond funding toward the reconstruction. If the amendment is approved, State Parks intends to relocate the Sutter's Mill replica on higher ground nearer to the mill monument and original gold discovery site. Features of the reconstructed mill replica can emulate the original mill races and other features without requiring the complex and expensive river relocation, channel stabilization and flumes envisioned in 1979.
State Parks has conducted a pulbic meeting on the mill reconstruction project. According to State Parks, the project received strong support from the local community.
Reason for Recommendation: A letter from the Board of Supervisors will add to the support this project has already received and will help encourage the Commission to allow the expenditure of state bond funds for this project in El Dorado County.
Action to be taken following Board approval: The Chief Administrative Office will distribute the signed letter to the appropriate State Parks Department and State Parks Commission staff.
Contact: Mike Applegarth (5123)