Waving signs admonishing lawmakers for sweeping state park funds into the general fund to meet budget shortages, more than 100 protesters turned out for the rally at the Capitol Mall on Monday. The parks budget dropped from $26 million in January 2009 to $7.5 million.
Speakers at the rally said further park closures would bring severe economic harm to rural areas that rely on tourism, and an estimated $260 million in revenues to state and local governments. Last month, after the budget cuts from the Legislature, the Arizona State Parks Board voted to close thrteen more parks by the end of June. Eight other parks either are closed already, were transferred to outside control, or are being kept open through an outside funding source.
Other speakers advocated the House Bill 2628 that would create a dedicated funding stream for state parks through vehicle license fees. In exchange for paying the fee, Arizona motorists would get free admission to any state park. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.
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