Since the state is short on money, it should close up to 6 of its parks and up to 7 of its historic sites. The closures are just some of the recommendations unanimously approved today by the state board of natural resources.
Natural Resources Commissioner Noel Holcomb proposed the reductions. All state agency heads are showing Governor Perdue what they would do with 6, 8 or 10 percent less funding this year. For Holcomb, that means fewer state parks and historic sites, a hiring freeze and layoffs.
"There's no easy way to go about doing this but we're committed to having a balanced budget and still to meet the level of customer expectation that this agency is known and respected for."
Holcomb says it's too early to know which facilities will close. Tom Mills wants them all to stay open. Mills, a board member for Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, wonders if raising attendance fees would help.
"Right now it's only 3 dollars a day. Right now that's less than a gallon of gas."
The state will consider all options. The picture may be clear come October.
Natural Resources Commissioner Noel Holcomb proposed the reductions. All state agency heads are showing Governor Perdue what they would do with 6, 8 or 10 percent less funding this year. For Holcomb, that means fewer state parks and historic sites, a hiring freeze and layoffs.
"There's no easy way to go about doing this but we're committed to having a balanced budget and still to meet the level of customer expectation that this agency is known and respected for."
Holcomb says it's too early to know which facilities will close. Tom Mills wants them all to stay open. Mills, a board member for Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, wonders if raising attendance fees would help.
"Right now it's only 3 dollars a day. Right now that's less than a gallon of gas."
The state will consider all options. The picture may be clear come October.
