12-19-2006, 08:10 PM
AUSTIN, Texas -Texas State Parks Advisory Committee Chairman and former state senator John Montford in April told the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission his committee recommends allocating the entire amount of state sporting goods sales tax to parks, a move which would effectively increase funding by about $85 million per year if appropriated by the Texas Legislature.
"It will not be enough to simply repair or restore the park resources and historic sites that have fallen into disrepair due to budget cuts," said Joseph Fitzsimons, TPW Commission chairman. "In the long run, it is equally important to build a funding structure that allows us to meet the challenges of a growing state."
Committee recommendations include an additional $15 million per year for state park land acquisition and park development and $20 million more per year for local park grants. The committee's recommendations were mirrored in TPWD's Legislative Appropriations Request for 2008-2009.
Also, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission in August approved the transfer of Lake Houston State Park out of the state park system to be operated as a Houston city park.
And, late in the year, as a result of unexpected oil and gas revenues, TPWD announced its intention to keep the Texas State Railroad running through August 2007, providing time to explore long-term options for the costly historic train, including a proposal to transfer it to local or private control.
News Roundup: State Park Funding Facts
News Release: Parks Advisory Committee Urges $85 Million Increase<br />
News Release: Texas State Railroad Funded Through August 2007<br />
News Release: Lake Houston State Park Transfers to City of Houston
"It will not be enough to simply repair or restore the park resources and historic sites that have fallen into disrepair due to budget cuts," said Joseph Fitzsimons, TPW Commission chairman. "In the long run, it is equally important to build a funding structure that allows us to meet the challenges of a growing state."
Committee recommendations include an additional $15 million per year for state park land acquisition and park development and $20 million more per year for local park grants. The committee's recommendations were mirrored in TPWD's Legislative Appropriations Request for 2008-2009.
Also, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission in August approved the transfer of Lake Houston State Park out of the state park system to be operated as a Houston city park.
And, late in the year, as a result of unexpected oil and gas revenues, TPWD announced its intention to keep the Texas State Railroad running through August 2007, providing time to explore long-term options for the costly historic train, including a proposal to transfer it to local or private control.
News Roundup: State Park Funding Facts
News Release: Parks Advisory Committee Urges $85 Million Increase<br />
News Release: Texas State Railroad Funded Through August 2007<br />
News Release: Lake Houston State Park Transfers to City of Houston