On July 9, Congressman Sam Farr, Soledad Mayor Richard Ortiz, Monterey County Supervisor Simon Salinas, San Benito County Supervisor Reb Monaco, Pinnacles National Monument Superintendent Eric Brunnemann and others met Contractor Fletcher Burton, of the Andersen Burton Construction Inc., of Arroyo Grande, Calif., who has been contracted to build a visitor’s center on the west side of the Pinnacles.

According to Brunnemann, a new building would return the area into its natural state.

“The old facility will be taken out from where it sits, right next to the Pinnacles,” Brunnemann said. “We’ll be moving it from the stream to the entrance on the west side, on high ground and where it will blend into the area. It makes more sense to do this. We’ll put a new trail in which will lead into the Pinnacles.”

Another reason for the move, according to Brunnemann is the past history of four floods from earlier days. “Nature is telling us that the building is in the wrong place,” said Brunnemann.

"I have long argued that Pinnacles is a valuable asset to our region, both as a driver of tourism revenue and as a pristine region of geographic importance,” Farr said. “These funds, which also integrate alternative energy technology, will further increase the utility and value of this land.”

Farr said that Pinnacles isn't a huge park, but it would serve as a crown jewel in the National Park system. “From its rich history of settlement to its rare flora and fauna to its imposing geographic formations, this is clearly an area that deserves protection and attention. I'm pleased that the economic stimulus is sending these funds to such a deserving project,” said Farr.

Farr referred to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provide the funds to complete the project.

The contract to Anderson Burton was issued in May of this year, and, according to Brunneman, the company has 600 days to complete the project.

“I think this is a great expansion and it will draw more people and tourism to our community,” said Ortiz.

Plans include an extensive exhibit of the area’s history.



For the complete article see the 07-21-2010 issue.

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