Crystal Cove work stops

Construction of a $10.5-million campground project at Crystal Cove State Park has been halted.

The project is one of hundreds of park projects and other construction jobs funded by state bonds that have been 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 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 Wednesday 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.”

Grading, utilities, sewer and water system, foundations for restrooms, and other infrastructure have been completed, but much more work still needs to be done, and the shutdown will only add to the final cost, Kramer said.

“This pushes back our opening, which was to have been 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. It is funded through Proposition 12.

CINDY FRAZIER is city editor of the Coastline Pilot. She can be contacted at (949) 494-2087 or cindy.frazier@latimes.com.