Heritage Fund

Canceling Arizona Heritage Fund grants sends wrong message, says State Parks Board member

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One of 36 casualties of Arizona State Parks Board decision to suspend Heritage Fund grants: renovation work at Great Arizona Puppet Theater in Phoenix (photo: jumpingnorman, Virtual Tourist)

[Source: Casey Newton, Arizona Republic] — …The [Arizona State Park] board’s decision to use local grant funds for operating expenses drew some criticism from members of the public. The board has canceled dozens of grants to communities around the state, including some for projects already under construction. “We’re angry with what’s happened to the… grants that were suspended,” said Janice Miano, executive director of the Arizona Heritage Alliance.

Board member Larry Landry said canceling grants to keep parks open sent the wrong message to the Legislature.  “We’re making it too easy for them to say we’re going to rape and kill every other program to keep parks open,” Landry said.  “If they’re going to take our money, they need to have consequences, too.”  [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Board won’t close any more Arizona state parks, for now

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[Source: Casey Newton, Arizona Republic] — The Arizona State Parks Board will make it to July without having to close any more parks, provided lawmakers do not take any more funds from the agency, officials said Friday.  Ken Travous, state parks director, told the board that the agency had successfully filled a $5 million budget gap remaining after cuts earlier this year.  The board filled the gap by suspending and canceling grants, holding positions open and reducing operating expenses.

Like most state agencies, the parks board has seen its budget cut dramatically over the past 12 months.  Three state parks already have closed indefinitely to allow for repairs and to save money, and the agency had initially put eight more parks on the chopping block.  However, Travous said Friday that the parks system can survive fiscal year 2010 as well without closing parks, pending the outcome of this year’s budget session.  Travous said lawmakers were threatening to take $12 million from the parks in 2010, a potentially devastating move.  [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Arizona State Parks Board backs bill to borrow money

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[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.]

Fate of Arizona’s state parks to be discussed, April 3

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[Source: Casey Newton, Arizona Republic] — The fate of eight state parks will be up for discussion Friday when the Arizona State Parks Board meets to discuss cost-cutting moves.  Like most state agencies, the parks board has seen its budget cut dramatically over the past 12 months.  The agency must close a $3 million budget deficit by the end of June.

Three state parks already have closed indefinitely to allow for repairs and to save money.  Eight more state parks could shut down depending on the board’s vote Friday: Homolovi Ruins, Oracle, Yuma Quartermaster Depot, Tubac Presidio, Fort Verde, Lyman Lake, Riordan Mansion, and Red Rock.

Alternatives to closing the parks indefinitely include seasonal closings, reduced days or hours of operation and layoffs.  “Anything can happen,” parks spokeswoman Ellen Bilbrey said.

The board meets at 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 3 at the Carnegie Center, 1101 W. Washington St., Phoenix.