[Source: KSWT/Associated Press] — With three state parks already closed temporarily, the Parks Board is endorsing controversial legislation in hopes of heading off more closures and cancellations of numerous grants to local communities around the state. Board members voted unanimously Friday to urge the State Legislature to offset budget cuts by providing the parks system with $20 million from a land conservation fund and restoring that fund’s money several years from now.
The bill is stalled at the Legislature. It has drawn opposition because of the diversion from the conservation fund and because it would set a precedent for diverting money from a voter-mandated purpose.
The board also authorized park officials to close individual parks up to two days a week to save money. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]