The Arizona Senate Appropriations Committee has voted to approve legislation that will provide millions of dollars in funding for the upkeep of local, regional, and state parks.
The money would come from the Arizona Heritage Fund, an entity created as the result of a statewide referendum in 1990 but discontinued some 12 years ago due to the Great Recession.
Although lawmakers restored the fund three years ago, the actions of the Appropriations Committee will allow for it to receive new money from lottery funds.
The action comes as lawmakers are also reviewing a proposal made by Governor Doug Ducey asking for $176.1 million in spending on public parks throughout Arizona.
Ducey has called for a “44-project strategy that will serve as a catalyst in modernizing the parks system, improving park facilities and expanding broadband connectivity.”
Of that amount, the largest portion at $86 million will go for wastewater improvement projects within the parks; $28 million will target structural improvements; while $10 million will be used to make sure all the parks’ structures and trails are Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
A recent study called Economic Contributions & Impacts of Arizona’s State Parks showed that spending within Arizona from people visiting the state’s parks amounted to more than $449 million in 2020.
By Garry Boulard
