Lockyer Takes Sides in 'Pork' Beef

Lockyer Takes Sides in 'Pork' Beef: "Lockyer Takes Sides in 'Pork' Beef
Attorney general says nonprofits have five years, not three, to use $15.5million in grants.
By Dan Morain, Times Staff Writer
SACRAMENTO Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer has disputed a contention by Controller Steve Westly that could have forced several nonprofit groups to return $15.5 million earmarked for parks and other local projects in 2000 and 2001.

In a report issued in September, Westly pointed to a state law suggesting that the Legislature appropriates money for three-year periods, and that the cash must be returned to the state if it's not spent within that period. Westly's report said the Legislature had given $15.5 million to an array of pet projects in 2001-02 that was not spent in time."