State Lands Commission: grant of trust lands: City of Redwood City.
This bill imposes new obligations on the City of Redwood City, mandating the development of a trust lands use plan by January 1, 2024. The city must detail all proposed uses of the trust lands, including any developments or preservation efforts, and seek approval from the State Lands Commission for any future amendments to this plan. This process represents a significant step towards local control and management of valuable public trust resources, emphasizing the importance of state oversight whilst allowing local customization in land use.
Assembly Bill No. 1392, approved on August 30, 2019, grants and conveys in trust to the City of Redwood City rights, title, and interests over specific public trust lands, known as the Maple Street Site. The legislation is rooted in California's existing framework for managing public trust lands, which includes tidelands and submerged lands. Under this bill, Redwood City becomes responsible for the preservation and development of these lands, adhering to conditions akin to those applied to previous public trust land grants. The intent is to enable local governance of these areas in alignment with state public trust purposes.
The sentiment around AB1392 is generally positive among proponents who view it as a necessary measure for fostering local control over crucial public trust resources. Supporters argue that the bill empowers Redwood City to better manage its coastal resources, thereby facilitating economic development and ecological preservation. However, there may be contention surrounding the adequacy of state oversight, as some stakeholders could raise concerns over the balance between local interests and state responsibilities in managing public trust lands.
One point of contention in the discussions surrounding AB1392 is the requirement that no state reimbursement is necessary for actions taken under this act. This provision suggests that either the financial burden of complying with new regulations will fall on the City of Redwood City alone or that the city will actively seek state support. Critics may argue this could strain local resources, particularly in light of the requirement for a detailed trust lands use plan, which entails additional administrative tasks for city officials.