| Provides for establishment of the urban open space program in the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation; establishes the urban open space program fund; makes an appropriation of 10 million dollars; the purpose of the program is to provide for the acquisition, creation, establishment, expansion, improvement, conservation and protection of open space areas in cities for the purpose of enhancing the urban environment, and thereby promoting the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state in a variety of ways, such as reduction of air and noise pollution, modification of extremes of temperature (resulting in the reduction of energy expended to heat/cool buildings/homes), assisting watershed management, providing habitats for desirable urban vegetation and wildlife, provision of shade, preservation of natural resources, enhancement of real estate values and beautification of urban areas throughout the state. |
