Work halted at Crystal Cove

Construction has been halted at Crystal Cove State Park, where a $10.5 million campground project has been under way.

The project is one of hundreds of park projects and other construction jobs funded by state bonds that have been put on a list of projects to be shut down or suspended by the state’s Pooled Money Investment Board.

Ken Kramer, Orange Coast District Superintendent for the state Department of Parks and Recreation, said the construction halt is temporary, but he does not know when workers will be back on the job.

The park project is 40% complete. The contractor, L.A. Engineering, decided to shut down the project Jan. 21 until the firm could be assured it will be paid for the work, Kramer said.

“The governor has issued a directive to temporarily suspend projects with bond funding,” Kramer said. “We are disappointed and frustrated, and hopeful for a resolution so the project can get started again.”

Kramer said that grading, utilities, sewer and water system, foundations for restrooms, and other infrastructure has been completed at the site, but there is still much more work to be done, and the shut-down will only add to the final cost.

“This pushes back our opening, which was to have been in early 2010,” Kramer said. “The suspension will cost money to demobilize and remobilize.”

The 35-acre RV park and campground is considered one of the last ocean campgrounds to be built in the state — and promises to be a huge economic boon to the area when it opens. It is funded through Proposition 12.