Dylan Scott is a GOVERNING staff writer.
E-mail: dscott@governing.comTwitter: @dylanlscott
State News
Iowa and Nebraska State Parks Struggle With Tight Budgets
Iowa and Nebraska, Midwest states known for their picturesque vistas, are straining to make money for their state parks go as far as it can, the Omaha World Herald reports.
Nebraska is leaving job vacancies open, raising entrance fees and even handing control of some parks over to local authorities, according to the newspaper. Iowa has also avoided filling open positions, hired fewer seasonal workers and reduced maintenance.
Parks have become a quick and easy target for savings as states have struggled with depleted revenue and increased spending in other areas since the economic downturn. As the New York Times reported last summer, California closed 70 of its 278 state parks as part of an effort to close its ballooning budget shortfall. Washington, one of the few states, like Iowa, that didn't charge fees for entrance, began doing so in July, according to the Times.
Nebraska has raised its price for park entry permits for 2012, according to the World Herald, which is expected to bring in about $800,000. A $6.5 million injection from the state general fund, which has been flat since 2002, covers another chunk of the park bureau's $23.2 million budget.
Perhaps the most inventive move so far has been transferring the oversight of state parks to local communities. By the end of its next legislative session, the Nebraska Legislature is expected to hand over seven state parks -- but the savings will be minimal, according to the newspaper: about $40,000 annually.
Iowa has managed to avoid charging entry fees, according to the World Herald, but other shortcuts have been necessary. A total of 21 positions in the state bureau remain open, and the number of seasonal workers hired annually has nearly dropped in half from 325 to 176. And that means that maintenance at some of the less-visited parks has dwindled, the newspaper reports.
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe for updates.
- Most Viewed
- Comments
-
- U.S. AG Holder, Gov. Brownback Spar over Kansas' New Gun Law
"RE: your response to me - I understand your confusion. Our tendency to devalue historical..." - Felons' Voting Rights Could Impact 2012 Election
"well that exulated quickly......" - Motorcycle Deaths Rise as States Rethink Helmet Laws
"How many more lives would be saved if automobile riders would wear helmets. We are talking..." - Colorado Becomes 14th State to Offer Undocumented Immigrants In-State Tuition
"Finally, while I do agree with you that people who cheat the system should not be given..." - Study: Medicaid Improves Mental But Not Physical Health
"Shame on me for forgetting to cite my sources:
http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/stories/2013/may/10/oregon-medicaid-participant-view-of-the-program.aspx..."
- U.S. AG Holder, Gov. Brownback Spar over Kansas' New Gun Law
Training Opportunities
Health Care Reform After the Decision- In this Mercer Report, you’ll learn how different organizations plan to tackle the new requirements of ACA and discover where most employer concerns are focused, who expects to be hardest hit, and how different health plans and Medicaid may impact overall costs.
- Crime Prediction and Prevention
- Accelerating Economic Growth and Vitality
GOVERNING Data
- U.S. City Population Map: 1990-2012
- View an interactive map with updated figures for cities with populations exceeding 50,000.
- Average Hospital Cost By State
- Youth Unemployment Rate, Figures by State
- U.S. County Population Change Map: 2010-2012
- International Migration: U.S. Cities and Metro Area Populations
- Same Sex Marriage Map: State Laws
Events & Webinars
- GOV - Leadership Forum: Georgia - 2013
- May 29, 2013
- The Countdown to Affordable Health Insurance: Time is Running Out!
- June 18, 2013
- Is your state ready for Marketplace open enrollment in October 2013? In a few short months, millions of uninsured Americans will qualify for affordable healthcare coverage either through Medicaid, CHIP or tax subsidies.
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
Flickr
RSS
© 2011 e.Republic, Inc. All Rights reserved. |