California State Parks Budget Proposal is a Win-Win for Everyone

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Elizabeth Goldstein
President
California State Parks Foundation

While we were thrilled to see that Governor Schwarzenegger removed 48 state parks from closure in his May Revise, we have concerns with his short-term solution, since it is possible and perhaps highly likely, that we will be facing significant revenue short falls next year, as well. This short-term solution would do nothing to permanently keep state parks off the chopping block during future budget cuts. We need a long-term solution that will provide the necessary means to keep California’s state parks open and preserved for future generations.

That long-term solution was introduced earlier this week when Assembly member John Laird announced the California State Park Access Pass program as part of the Assembly’s budget proposal. The California State Parks Foundation strongly supports this proposal to get us to that much-needed long-term solution.

The basic tenet of this program is that Californians will pay a $10 surcharge on their annual vehicle license fee. This will raise approximately $282 million annually in new funding to support the state park system. These funds are sorely needed as many of our state parks, due to past budget cuts, have had to forego basic annual maintenance and upkeep, resulting in more than a $1.2 billion backlog of deferred maintenance. The Department of Parks and Recreation estimates it has a shortfall of ongoing maintenance of approximately $117 million. This solution provides us with a source of funding that is stable and sustainable, and that will return our state parks to the splendor of its past.

As a benefit of paying the fee, all Californians will be given free day-use access to California’s state parks. No more entrance fees to be paid at the kiosks. By enjoying California’s majestic state parks system once or twice a year, Californians will have more than received their money’s worth as current day use fees are typically $6-$8 per day.