Alabama State Parks amendment passes by a wide margin
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Alabama voters resoundingly passed a constitutional amendment on Tuesday, May 24th authorizing the issuance and sale of $85 million in bonds to renovate and rehabilitate Alabama’s state parks, historic parks and historic sites. The measure garnered 77% of the popular vote.
Keep reading to learn more.
Alabama Loves Its State Parks
“I am very grateful to see that the overwhelming number of Alabamians feel as passionate about our State Parks as I do,” Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship told The Bama Buzz. “It was wonderful to see over 77% of voters support the bond. People love our parks and we love them. We all want to see the parks become first-class facilities we can all be proud of and we know the improved parks will ably serve our citizens and guests for decades to come.”
Kinds of Projects
The new funding will address small and large projects throughout the State Park System, including:
- Older state park lodges—Cheaha, Wheeler and Lakepoint—that were not a part of the last bond issue
- Playgrounds throughout the system will be modernized
- Amenities like WIFI, electrical, and sewer hook-up will be expanded at campgrounds as well as adding cabins and new campgrounds in parks experiencing high demand.
- Swimming pools, like the one at Rickwood Caverns in Blount County will be renovated
- Other parks—plans to update bathrooms
Along with the State Parks, $5 million has been set aside to address the needs of historical parks and sites.
Thank you Voters, Governor and Legislature
According to Blankenship, work on securing the funding begins immediately.
“We started today working with Finance Director Bill Poole and his staff to put the process in place to move forward on the bond sale so we can get to work as soon as possible. Again, we are so appreciative of the Governor, the legislature and the voters for their support of Alabama State Parks.”
Tell us, which is your favorite State Park or Historical Park in Alabama? Tag us at @TheBamaBuzz and tell us which one you hope to visit this summer.
