Amendment Two will Protect State Park funding

Amendment Two will Protect State Park funding

PHOTO: Amendment 2, which will be decided by voters on November 8, seeks to protect funding for our state parks. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On November 8, voters across the county, state, and country will be heading to their polling places to decide the next President of the United States. In DeKalb County, residents will select another Superintendent of Education, yet their is another less known issue on the ballot that’s equally as important to DeKalb County: State Parks.

Commonly known as “Amendment 2,” the measure will be decided by Alabama voters this November. According to the Alabama State Parks website, “Since 2012, more than $15 million has been transferred out of the Parks System budget and into the General Fund. Losing this money has been detrimental to the Parks System and diminished our ability to operate.”

Amendment 2 passed through the Alabama legislature and Senate as Senate Bill 260 with a substantial majority. The bill was sponsored by State Senator Clay Scofield (R) from Marshall County.

In an OPED to al.com, Scofield said, “The full text of Amendment #2 could be considered a little overwhelming.”

“In plain English, Amendment #2 is our opportunity to stabilize the Alabama State Parks' finances and budget as well as allow for future planning,” he added.

About 90 percent of Alabama State Park’s budget comes from user fees. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)
About 90 percent of Alabama State Park’s budget comes from user fees. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

Over recent years, politicians in Montgomery have taken funds from agencies to fund other programs that were facing budget shortfalls. Funds meant for Alabama’s state parks have been diverted to programs such as medicaid and cover other debts accrued because of these shortfalls.

According to the state parks website, “nearly 5 million park visits occur annually, creating a $375 million economic impact for the state and communities where they exists.”

State Parks are crucial to tourism and jobs in DeKalb County. The county is home to three state parks, with many more in the Northeast Alabama area.

“Last year, tourist spent right at $79 million in DeKalb County,” said John Dersham, Executive Director of DeKalb Tourism, at a recent Fort Payne City Council meeting.

Much of this tourism can be attributed to visits to state parks in our area. While the language on the ballot may be complicated, the choice isn’t so complicated for voters in our county and state, Amendment 2 will protect jobs and some of the most beautiful parts of Alabama.

To stay up to date with all things related to Amendment 2, and to learn how you can help spread the message, visit http://www.ALParksPartners.com.