The Interim Finance Committee on Thursday released the first $6 million in parks and conservation bonds from Question 1, approved by voters in November 2002.
State Lands Administrator Pam Wilcox said the bonds are part of the $50.5 million set aside to be administered by the state. She said the first series of projects will be development of recreational trails.
Sen. Bill Raggio, R-Reno, questioned using that much money for trails.
"It seems there are more substantial projects that could be considered," he said.
Wilcox said a total of $7.25 million of the bond was set aside for trail projects and they happen to be the projects ready to go first. She said the $50.5 million is divided among acquisitions for urban parks, habitat conservation plans, open space land acquisitions, specific grants for Tahoe and the Carson River as well as cooperative acquisitions in partnership with nonprofit groups.
"This is a varied lot," she said, telling IFC members there will be many more substantial projects presented for future bond approvals.
The treasurer's office plans to sell the bonds in June, enabling the projects to start this summer.
