The primary ballots on May 24 in Alabama will have one statewide constitutional amendment, allowing the state to borrow $80 million to make improvements and upgrades in many of its state parks.
“(Our state parks) are certainly a jewel for the state of Alabama,” said House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter.
Ledbetter sponsored the 2021 legislation allowing the people of Alabama to vote on the approval of the proposed loan. He said that the proposal would enable them to “revitalize” the parks since revamping them could lead to more visitors and help the state’s economy.
In 1998, Alabama voters approved a $110-million bond issue to help improve the state parks and historical sites. This bond was recently paid off, giving the state the chance to make a new one, according to the report.
According to a fiscal note on the bull, the bond issued will have the General Fund pay $6 million per year for the next 20 years.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said that the 21 state parks take up about 48,000 acres of land and water. In 2021, the parks had a total of 6.2 million visitors and gave $375 million for the state.
The department uses a system that charges customers for entry or overnight stay. They said that customer fees, not taxes, make up between 80% to 90% of the parks’ annual funding.
“We have been doing renovations and putting money back into the parks as revenue is generated,” said Chris Blankenship, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner. “However the need is so great, the bond proceeds are needed to get our state parks up to the first-class product that will best serve our citizens and guests going forward.”
He said the most of the fund will be allocated to upgrade campgrounds to accommodate modern campers, requiring the installation of electrical outlets, WiFi, and upgraded water and sewer connections.
Blakenship also said they plan to build larger cabins at certain locations, update playgrounds and restrooms, and add more recreational activities. The department wants the state parks to be more accessible and accommodating for Alabamans.
The amendments will also allow $5 million in bonds to go to the improvements of historical sites around the state. It also includes language specifying none of the funds will go to the Confederate Memorial Park in Marbury.
A list of proposed improvements at many of the parks is available online.
This article originally appeared on Alabama Daily News.
Let’s wander Alabama’s state parks, where nature’s magic meets adventure! Explore 48,000 acres of beauty and hunt for those special gems that make each park an unforgettable journey.