Springerville

Eight Arizona State Parks to close due to budget crisis

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[Source: Paul Davenport, Associated Press] — Arizona officials are recommending the immediate closure of eight state parks because of midyear spending cuts imposed under legislation signed by Gov. Jan Brewer to eliminate a revenue shortfall.  Parks Director Ken Travous told The Associated Press on Monday that he will recommend the closures to the Parks Board when it holds a special meeting Tuesday morning regarding the budget cuts.

Travous said he picked the parks recommended for closure because of their higher per-visitor costs among the 27 state parks.  The eight parks recommended for closure all have relatively low visitation rates.  In 2007-2008, for example, 4,945 visitations were reported for McFarland and 9,989 for Oracle.  Those numbers are well below the parks with the highest number of visitors: Slide Rock with 249,759 and Lake Havasu with 248,851.  Parks officials caution that more closures may be needed because of fiscal restraints.

The budget changes approved Friday night and Saturday morning by the Legislature closed a $1.6 billion shortfall in the state’s current $9.9 billion budget for the fiscal year that ends June 30.  Legislative budget analysts have estimated that there could be a $3 billion shortfall in the next budget.

Sen. Debbie McCune Davis, D-Phoenix, said the park closures could economically damage the rural communities where the parks are located.  “When you make cuts there is a ripple effect,” she said.  “The communities are going to have to find another way to draw visitors.”

The parks recommended for closure are: Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde, Homolovi Ruins State Park in Winslow, Lyman Lake State Park in Springerville, McFarland State Historic Park in Florence, Oracle State Park in Oracle, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff, Tubac Presidio State Historic Park in Tubac, and Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park.  [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Springerville celebrates historic school’s comeback

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[Source: WMICentral.com, Larisa Bogardus] – – Echoes of footsteps, laughter and chatter recently brought the historic Springerville Elementary School back to life again for a day. State and local officials as well as supporters of the building’s rehabilitation celebrated the long-awaited project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 21, followed by a brief tour of the site.

“The old school will be a jewel for this community and its citizens to enjoy in the future,” Town Manager Steve West said. “We all should realize its value historically as well as the potential it will have as a meeting place and museum for the people of Round Valley.”  The $250,000 project is funded by an Arizona Heritage Fund preservation grant, a Department of Housing and Urban Development grant facilitated by Congressman Rick Renzi and a Community Development Block Grant. Interior work began in early October and includes handicapped ramps, ADA rest rooms, HVAC, plumbing and electrical work. Arizona Department of Transportation widened the entry drive from Main Street as part of an intergovernmental agreement for services.  Workers for Hamblin Building Systems of Eagar will replace the exterior windows and doors this winter in preparation for new stucco and paint in the spring. Exterior stairs will be replaced and new ramps will be installed as well.  [Note: to read the full article click here.]