It is often difficult to put a price tag on the intrinsic worth of something, particularly if it is associated with quality of life. Such is the case in attempting to determine the value of Texas’ state parks.
The Lone Star State has 117 state parks. They range from historical sites to natural areas such as forests, canyons, and beaches. While the primary purposes of different parks vary, there are certain common elements in the special outdoor adventures available at these areas that serve to enhance our daily lives.
Over the past several years, the budgets for the operations of these parks, which are scattered throughout the state, have steadily declined to put Texas at or near the bottom of all states in per-capita investment. Even so, Texas ranks close to the top for all states in generating income back into the system, which indicates that visitors and residents see the value of these kinds of facilities.
Many state parks incorporate irreplaceable natural beauty or historically significant sites. Repairing and upgrading the parks is, of course, not without its costs. However, doing so is imperative; investments in parks tend to lead to more usage and increased revenues, while reductions in funding tend to have the opposite effect.
The Texas State Parks Advisory Committee has reported a repair backlog amounting to more than $431 million, in addition to the funds required to provide for ongoing needs such as staff, equipment, and development.
In a couple of weeks, Texans have an opportunity to make a difference in the future of our parks. On Tuesday, November 6, 2007, 16 propositions go before voters as proposed constitutional amendments.
Proposition 4, which stems from Senate Joint Resolution 65, was developed during the 80th Legislature and pertains to the authorization of funds to pay for maintenance, repair, construction, and improvement projects sponsored by nine state agencies.
The entities that will benefit from the passage of Proposition 4 include the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Historical Commission, Department of Public Safety, Department of State Health Services, Department of Aging and Disability Services, Youth Commission, Building and Procurement Commission, Adjutant General’s Department, and Department of Criminal Justice.
If voters approve the amendment (which authorizes the issuance of up to $1 billion in bonds payable from the general revenues), the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will receive close to $52 million during the next two years. These monies are part of Texas lawmakers’ efforts to provide additional funding for state parks.
A little over half of this amount (about $27 million) will be designated for major repairs at parks across the state, some of which are in desperate straits. The remaining $25 million will help fund long-term preservation of the Battleship TEXAS. This investment stands to have a substantial economic return in terms of increasing tourism and spending in and around state parks.
An additional $48 million would be used for repairs at 20 historic sites and courthouses and also to aid in the continuance of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program’s matching grants.
Along with the funds available for use in upgrading parks, historic sites, and courthouses, Proposition 4 would also provide up to $200 million for the Department of Public Safety to improve crime labs, prepare for future expected increases in caseloads, and strengthen overall crime-fighting programs.
Moreover, the Proposition would help pay for repair and renovation of mental health state schools and hospitals, construction of new incarceration facilities, and enhancement of Texas National Guard readiness centers, among many other needs.
Almost everyone in Texas will benefit to some degree from the passage of Proposition 4. It will also be a good thing for the state economy. A recent study completed by my firm showed that municipal parks alone (which receive grants from the Parks and Wildlife Department) generate a notable tourism stimulus that provides an excellent return on public investment. On a purely economic basis, approval of these funds makes sense; when you add the enhancement to our quality of life, it is a no-brainer.