POINT SHEET – STATE PARK SYSTEM FUNDING

2008 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION

 

  • To complete the operations and maintenance re-benchmarking effort begun in 2005 for the 34 existing state parks, the State Park System needs appropriations in FY-2009 and FY-2010 totaling  $10 million along with an increase of 117 positions to bring authorized staffing to the level of 400 total positions. The Governor’s budget does not provide additional operations and maintenance funding in FY-2009 but does provide an additional $1.5 million and 15 new positions for FY-2010.

 

  • General Obligation Bond Referendums in 1992 and 2002 provided a total of some $214 million for land acquisition and new facility construction by the Park System. Funds for operating and maintaining the system were to be provided through annual appropriations from the General Fund.

 

  • But, as recognized by the bipartisan, bicameral Commission on the Future of Virginia’s Environment in its 2002 report (Senate Document 4), the annual appropriations have not kept pace with operating and maintenance needs.

 

  • Completing its work before the 2002 bond referendum was passed, the Commission recommended re-benchmarking the annual General Fund appropriation to adjust for the then existing shortfall. A first step to this end was taken by the General Assembly in the 2005 session, a second step was taken in the 2006 session, and a third step was taken in 2007. More remains to be done.

 

  • Most of the projects funded from the 1992 bond referendum are now complete as are many of the projects funded by the 2002 referendum. For example 5 new parks have been opened and developed since 1992, land is being acquired for an additional six parks, and the Park System opened more new facilities in 2006 than in any single year since the System was established in 1936.

 

  • Virginia’s State Park System is the most frugally funded in the nation ranking          50th --dead last-- among the states in proportion of state budget dedicated to parks. Even with this significant funding constraint, the annual economic return the system provides to the Commonwealth and surrounding park localities is staggering.                                      (over)
  • For example, Virginia state parks entertain more than 7.5 million visitors annually and account for more than $171 million in annual economic impact for state and local economies.

 

  • Appropriations for the park system are thus sound financial investments that also provide significant intangible benefits such as:
    • Improved mental and physical health of those who use the parks to exercise, recreate, and relax.
    • Participation in the Commonwealth’s efforts to provide environmental education that meets the standards of learning criteria.
    • Protection and stewardship of many of the Commonwealth’s natural, historic, scenic, and cultural resources.

     

  • In terms of adequate investments, the system is faced with the following appropriation needs:

 

    • Operations for existing parks – An additional $10 million to complete the re-benchmarking effort underway accompanied by an increase of 117 positions (283 presently authorized) to bring authorized staffing to 400 total positions.

 

    • Replacement of antiquated and unsafe vehicles and equipment – $2 million to catch-up and $1 million per year thereafter.

 

    • Costs associated with bringing six new parks on line: $49 million.  See components below:

 

      • Phase I development (capital costs) of six new parks in the first year they are brought on line -- $45 million.
      • One time costs for the six new parks -- $1.5 million.
      • Annual operating costs of the six new parks in the first year on line - $2.5 million.
      • The Governor’s budget proposes a total of $7.5 million in FY-2009 capital construction funds for initial work in two of these new parks – Powhatan ($3M) and High Bridge ($4.5M).

 

    • Deferred Maintenance – In 2002, The Commission on the Future of Virginia’s Environment noted that the Park System faced a deferred maintenance inventory of nearly $200 million. Obviously, inflation alone has since significantly increased that total. While it may not be possible to address this total in any one year, a significant dollar amount should be applied toward reducing the inventory. The longer these problems remain outstanding, the more they will deteriorate and the more costly it will become to address them.

 

  • Simply put, Virginia needs to make adequate investments in its State Park System by providing the needed appropriations.