Lawmakers looking at ways to possibly fund Arizona State Parks
March 1, 2013
Cronkite News Service reported on a possible rosier outlook for Arizona State Parks, with lawmakers discussing ways to provide more funding for the state's historic and natural gems.
Joseph Garcia, communication director for Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy, said it's encouraging to hear discussion about finding a funding mechanism for state parks that are operating on shoestring budgets.
"But if we're really talking about improving and preserving state parks so they're more visitor-friendly, then that needs an investment," Garcia said.
The Morrison Institute published a 2009 study that found Arizona spent less on its park system than nearly any other state when viewed as a percentage of the overall budget.
"It's sad that with all the money and energy that's been invested in state parks they'll close or deteriorate or people won't visit them because they don't have modern amenities," Garcia said.
Read: Rosier outlook for state parks
Read the Morrison Institute report: The Price of Stewardship: The Future of Arizona State Parks
