U.S. Sen. Mark DeSaulnier and Assemblymember Joan Buchanan have commended the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s recent announcement that it will contribute funds toward road repairs on upper Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard in time for the Amgen Tour of California bicycle race through Mt. Diablo State Park.

“We are pleased to see State Parks come to the table and acknowledge their responsibility in helping to ensure a safe and smooth approach to the driveway of Mt. Diablo State Park for residents, bicyclists and park enthusiasts alike,” said DeSaulnier. “Secretary John Laird and State Parks Director Ruth Coleman are to be commended for their willingness to address this issue head-on. Indeed, we look forward to taking the next steps together with all parties to help forge a long-term shared maintenance agreement.”

“This section of Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard has been left in disrepair for far too long. The contribution from State Parks is critical to breaking the impasse so we can get to work fixing the road,” said Buchanan. “I look forward to working with all the stakeholders to ensure that this entrance point to Mt. Diablo State Park is safe, accessible, and best able to serve all members of the community.”

Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard is a private road jointly owned by individual landowners in the community of Diablo, located at the base of the Mt. Diablo State Park. The state has a longstanding road easement with the property owners for access to the park, which attracts significant visitor and bicycle use of the road.

The last one-mile stretch of Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard, which leads directly into the park, is in serious disrepair due to the inability of the state and local residents to come to an agreement over who is responsible for maintaining the roadway.

Given the protracted stalemate and the upcoming Amgen Tour, DeSaulnier and Buchanan convened a community meeting to address the short- and long-term needs of the road. In attendance at the meeting were several stakeholders, including the Diablo Community Services District, state park officials, Save Mount Diablo, Contra Costa County, Athenian School, local area homeowners associations and individual property owners.

State Parks announced at the meeting that it would commit funds from a special fund set aside specifically for state park road repairs. Discussions are now underway between all the parties toward crafting a long-term shared maintenance agreement.