The Times-Standard

Nearly $550,000 aimed at reopening spawning grounds to salmon is expected to be allocated at an upcoming California Coastal Commission meeting.

The money -- which comes out of the $2.2 billion parks and water bond Proposition 12 approved by voters in 2000 -- will be used on creeks with significant fish passage problems.

The initial block grant to Humboldt County of $466,000 isn't directed to specific projects, but is likely to be used for Mad River tributary Warren Creek and Humboldt Bay tributary Rocky Gulch, said conservancy project manager Michael Bowen. The county will contribute another $32,000 to the effort.

The other $78,000 should complete a $400,000 project on Saunders Creek, a tributary of the Mattole River near Petrolia. Some of the money will also go toward the design of the Rocky Gulch project.

The conservancy meeting is at the Fort Bragg Town Hall at 363 N. Main St. on May 18 at 9 a.m.

The meeting notice and agenda can be found at http://www.coastalconservancy.ca.gov/

Source:  http://www.times-standard.com/Stories/0,1413,127~2896~2861584,00.html