HB 1722 -- PARK SERVICES

SPONSOR:  Sutherland

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Tourism by a vote of 12 to 0.

This bill authorizes the Director of the Department of Natural
Resources to enter into cooperative agreements with private,
not-for-profit organizations to reimburse the department for the
actual costs of providing state park facility space and
incidental staff support.  The agreement must also clearly
demonstrate the fiscal, interpretive, educational, and facility
enhancement benefits to the state.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will allow nonprofit
organizations to enhance state parks by working in cooperation
with the Department of Natural Resources.  These groups have a
lot of knowledge as well as enthusiasm and will create or enhance
trails for biking or hiking in a time when federal and state
funding is limited.  When volunteers work in a state park, a
sense of ownership is developed, making them better visitors.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Sutherland;
Department of Natural Resources; Missouri Trails Advisory Board;
and Osage Region Trail Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Alice Hurley, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:44 am