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State park funding cuts jobs, upkeep
Budget cuts could affect up to seven parks
Updated: Tuesday, 05 Feb 2013, 7:19 PM CST
Published : Tuesday, 05 Feb 2013, 7:18 PM CST
(KXAN) -
State park funding could be in jeopardy if legislators continue to divert funds.
The money generated from park fees and the sporting goods tax should go right back to park maintenance and operations, but that's not necessarily the case as legislators often move that money to other budgets.
Christopher Williams thinks that money should stay in place and used to promote more visitors.
"It's a real positive way to grow up," he said. "You get to experience nature and you're not sitting inside playing video games. Every time my kids come out here they learn something new."
Dave Mackesy carries his parks pass proudly. He says the state parks offer a lot of bang for the bucks. He'll be staying at more than a dozen parks during his two month visit from Canada.
"Texas parks I like. The weather is good down here," said Mackesy. "The layouts are nice, the people are extremely friendly, I love traveling Texas."
Mackesy is part of the 8 million annual visitors to Texas state parks every year. He, like others who love camping, say they spends thousands of dollars a year in camping related expenses like food, gas, outdoor furniture and other big ticket items.
"My camper costs about $16,000," said Williams, who visits about 20 parks each year. "The chairs cost about $100 a piece."
For now, all state parks will remain open, but in what condition or for how long remains to be seen. The state legislative budget board will meet Wednesday and decide how much money state parks will receive.
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