State Parks

State Parks task force recommends $15 surcharge at MVD

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Source: Chrystall Kanyuck, Arizona Capitol Times.com 11-5-2009] –

A task force appointed by Gov. Jan Brewer recommends adding $14 or $15 to annual vehicle registrations to help sustain Arizona State Parks. The recommendation from the Task Force on Sustainable State Parks Funding includes the ability for vehicle owners to opt out of the fee. However, all drivers with Arizona license plates would receive free admission to state parks. 

The proposed fee echoes a recommendation in a report last month by Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy. Paul Senseman, a spokesman for the governor’s office, said the recommendation is worthy of public discussion. 

“There have been cuts for many years, and the parks are in critical need of funding,” he said. 

With the state addressing a budget crisis, Arizona State Parks has seen its operating budget cut to $19 million in the fiscal year that began in July from $26 million the previous year. Entrance fees, which helped fund capital improvements, are now used to cover operating costs [to read the full article click here].

State parks are in dire need of public’s support

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[Source: Arizona Republic Editorial 10-26-2009]  – This discussion was done with Rich Dozer, who is the Chairman of the Governor’s Sustainable State Parks Task Force.

1. Many Arizonans may not realize what a diverse state park system we have.

Arizona has 31 state parks on a total of 63,847 acres, and the parks are all different from each other, in size, scope and purpose. There are recreation parks, such as Catalina, Lake Havasu, Picacho Peak, Slide Rock and Tonto Natural Bridge. There also are historic and cultural parks, such as Jerome, the Tombstone Courthouse and the Yuma Territorial Prison [to read the full editorial click here].

Yuma Quartermaster Depot turned over to city

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[Source: Joyce Lobeck, YumaSun.com 10-28-2009] – A new chapter for the Yuma Quartermaster Depot began Wednesday morning when Gov. Jan Brewer presented the key for the historic park to the city of Yuma. The ceremony launched an agreement to have the city operate the state park temporarily to ensure the historic attraction remains open for residents and visitors alike until the state recovers financially.

The park is seen as a critical element in the city’s efforts to redevelop the riverfront and downtown area, said Charles Flynn, who heads up that effort. He noted the effort began 10 years ago and has involved a tremendous outlay of time, effort and funding, with the state continuously being an important partner. Flynn said efforts to date include the restoration of the East and West Wetlands and opening of the Hilton Garden Inn and companion conference center. Plans ultimately call for residential, retail, dining and entertainment development along the Colorado River [to read the full article click here].

Arizona State Parks Restores Funding To Heritage Fund Grant Projects

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[Source: States News Service 9-30-2009] – On Tuesday, September 22, 2009, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) gave a favorable review to the Agency’s request to backfill cuts made to its operating budget. With the Committee’s favorable review, the Parks Board unsuspended Heritage Fund grants that had been frozen in February 2009.

“We are extremely happy to release funding for these very worthy trails, historic preservation, and park projects,” said Renee Bahl, Executive Director. In order deal with a 26% reduction in the in the department’s ongoing operating budget compared to July 2008, Arizona State Parks will be reducing parks operations and hours [to read the full article click here].