State Parks

Arizona Heritage Alliance opposes State Parks “sweep” of already-underway Heritage Fund grant projects

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The following letter was sent to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer by Arizona Heritage Alliance Board President, Elizabeth Woodin:

March 26, 2009

The Honorable Jan Brewer
Governor, State of Arizona
1700 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Dear Governor Brewer:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Arizona Heritage Alliance, I wish to commend you for signing the Executive Order of March 12, 2009 reestablishing the Governor’s Sustainable State Parks Task Force.  You have charged this group with a daunting, but necessary, task.  We can hope that they, with solid public input, develop and recommend some very innovative and workable solutions.

By way of background, the Alliance is comprised of hundreds of individuals, non-profit organizations, government entities, tribes, and businesses that work to educate the public and Alliance members about the Arizona Heritage Fund as well as protect the Fund’s integrity and effectiveness.

As you are aware, the Arizona Heritage Fund was voter-initiated in 1988 and approved by two-thirds of the electorate in 1990.  Backed with Arizona Lottery proceeds, the Fund is a nationally acclaimed “quality of life” and economic development tool that supports and protects our state’s parks, open space, wildlife habitat, environmental education, trails, historic and cultural sites, and public access to public land.  Since 1990, more than $338.5 million of Heritage Funds have been invested in preserving and enhancing an incredible array of natural, cultural, and recreational resources in every Arizona county and legislative district.  The economic multiplier factor brings that number up close to $1 billion.

Unfortunately, at a time of unprecedented financial shortfall, our state government approved this January:

  • Huge “sweeps” of numerous funds, including nearly $6 million in Arizona State Parks’ Heritage Funds.
  • A reallocation of $3 million of Heritage Funds to the Arizona State Lands Department for its Fire Suppression Fund, money that department officials said at a recent JLBC hearing they do not need.
  • Cancellation or suspension of $11.7 million worth of Heritage Fund projects in 25 Arizona communities already contracted for and underway ~ more than shovel-ready!

Regarding this last bullet point, dozens of private citizens, non-profit organizations, and local government and tribal officials have contacted the Alliance and expressed absolute frustration with the desperate and dismaying action taken by Arizona State Parks.  Many are “on the hook” with signed agreements they cannot keep without the funds, as well as half-restored and roofless historic properties, half-built park structures that are now an eyesore and possible safety hazard, and fragile archaeological artifacts that now are not in compliance with federal standards.  In addition, these projects help to bring in construction jobs and tourism dollars.  The multiplier effect of the economic impact of these projects to communities, urban and rural, is significant.

Although Arizona State Parks was backed into an untenable situation by the State Legislature’s removal of its funding, both General Fund and Heritage, its action to remove Heritage Fund monies from grantees is unprofessional and shameful.  This is no way to approach the celebration of Arizona’s Centennial in 2012.

These individuals, non-profits, municipalities, and tribes who followed the rules, dotted their “I’s” and crossed their “T’s,” were awarded and accepted grants in good faith from Arizona State Parks — only to have the money stripped away mid-stream.  Here are just a few examples:

  • Renovations to the “White Dove of the Desert,” San Xavier del Bac Mission in Tucson
  • Improvements to the Ed Hooper Rodeo Grounds in Casa Grande
  • Over $600,000 of upgrades to Bullhead City’s Rotary Soccer Field
  • Stabilization of the historic Sullivan Building in Jerome
  • Roof repairs to the historic structure now home to the Great Arizona Puppet Theater in Phoenix

And there are many other examples as outlined in the attached list compiled by Arizona State Parks staff.

Recommendations to reconcile $11.7 million in rescinded Arizona Heritage Fund grants:

  • Several of your colleagues in the State Legislature agree that the $3 million in Fire Suppression Funds should be returned, and we are working with them to make that happen. When returned to Arizona State Parks, the funds should be directed to complete the “suspended” grant projects.
  • While there will not be an Arizona Heritage Fund grant cycle in 2009, there will be a $10 million allotment from the Arizona Lottery to Arizona State Parks.  That $10 million can also be directed to the “suspended” grant projects.

What is not a long-term solution to replenish “swept” Arizona Heritage Funds and Arizona State Park operating funds is HB2088.  It borrows from another voter-initiated, passed, and protected fund in ways that Arizona voters did not approve.  As the Arizona Heritage Fund is similar in concept, the Arizona Heritage Alliance cannot support HB2088.  In addition to “robbing Peter to pay Paul,” many consider the actions recommended in HB2088 to be unconstitutional which could bring about an expensive, lengthy, and divisive legal challenge.

We would welcome the opportunity to sit down with you and members of your staff to discuss these and other options available.  We can also offer you a tour of several “swept” Heritage Fund projects, which will make you feel even more proud to be an Arizonan.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter and for your commitment to serve Arizona.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely yours,

Elizabeth T. Woodin
President

Fight to reopen Arizona’s Tonto Natural Bridge State Park continues

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Tonto Natural Bridge (Photo: Payson Roundup)

[Source: Pete Aleshire, Payson Roundup] — Residents of the Rim Country continue to fight to keep the state from making Tonto Natural Bridge another casualty of the budget crisis.  Rim Country officials hope they can win a commitment to reopen Tonto Natural Bridge State Park as early as June at an April 3 Arizona State Parks Board meeting in the Valley.

In addition, local leaders hope that a recently appointed task force studying the long-term future of the state’s battered system of 28 parks will explore creative ways to bolster the region’s best-known tourist draw.  That task force will consider public-private partnerships and joint operating agreements as a way to keep parks open.  “I’m optimistic, but we’ve got to keep the pressure on them,” said Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce Manager John Stanton, following two meetings involving top state park officials, Rim Country leaders and local state lawmakers.   [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Viewpoint: Arizona’s state parks eyed by panel

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[Source: Editorial Board, Tucson Citizen] — A task force will review our state parks system and its challenges, after several parks were temporarily closed.  We’re glad that Gov. Jan Brewer is assembling the panel, particularly if it can quantify the backlog of parks maintenance and rehabilitation needs.

Some of the prettiest state parks anywhere are in Arizona.  And though the current recession precludes plans for improvements anytime soon, all Arizonans would benefit from better caretaking of our prized state spots once the recession has passed and a more prosperous era returns.  Arizona parks, alas, have suffered a fate similar to that of national parks: too little money for maintenance, programs, and staff.  Unless the parks are well-funded, they can’t bring in funds — a Catch-22 that should be unsnarled when money permits.  Until then, we’re glad Brewer’s panel will assemble the data needed so that once funds become available, parks can be rehabilitated anew.

Sustainable State Parks Task Force renewed by Arizona Gov. Brewer

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[Source: Office of the Governor] — Governor Jan Brewer recently signed an executive order to reestablish the Governor’s Sustainable State Parks Task Force, which will begin work immediately.  “It is essential that we find a sustainable solution for our State Parks system,” said Governor Brewer. “State Parks are important to Arizona’s economy and numerous local communities, as they attract millions of visitors and preserve important cultural and natural resources.  Now more than ever we need to reexamine the condition of the state park system and find creative ways for our beautiful parks to endure.”

The Sustainable State Parks Task Force was originally created in 2008 by executive order, but no progress to date has been made. In an effort to work through recent budget reductions and possible closures of various parks, Governor Brewer has re-assembled a group of leaders from across the state to examine and provide recommendations for the future of Arizona State Parks. The charge given the Task Force is the same as in 2008, to assess the condition of the State Parks system and its impacts on Arizona’s overall economy.  Ultimately the group will make recommendations to the Governor as to how the system can achieve financial sustainability into the future.

Rich Dozer, president of GenSpring, a Phoenix Investment Company, and former president of the Arizona Diamondbacks will chair the Task Force.  He will be joined by William Roe, Glen Kerslake and Diana Freshwater of Tucson; Robert McLendon of Yuma; Grady Gammage, Jr. of Tempe; Bill Cordasco of Flagstaff; and Walter Meek, Harry Papp, and Jeffery Williamson of Phoenix. The Task Force may grow its membership to no more than 21, and all members will serve without compensation.  The deadline for their recommendations is October 31, 2009.

“These places, such as Kartchner Caverns, Tonto National Bridge, and Tombstone, are all cultural and recreational jewels of Arizona,” said incoming chairman Dozer.  “In this economy, it is a great challenge to find a sustainable method to fund their protection and enhancement.”  [Note: For more information, contact Paul Senseman at 602-542-1342.]