State can no longer transfer GSP revenue to general fund

State can no longer transfer GSP revenue to general fund

Statewide Amendment 2, which directly impacts Gulf State Park, also passed on Nov. 8. The amemdment was included on the ballot after $15 million was transferred from the parks budget to the general gund from 2012 to 2015, resulting in the closing of five state parks.
The majority of the state park system’s budget, about 90 percent, comes directly from guest fees. The passage of Amendment 2 will ensure that these guest fees are only used for the upkeep of the parks. As the parks funding was siphoned from the parks each year, park managers were left with difficult choices and multiple parks were closed and some facilities were shut down. For the last few years, the parks did not know their budget for the following year, making planning for routine maintenance each year – or even long-term planning – impossible for the parks.
In addition to protecting the park system’s funding, Amendment 2 included language to open the option for concession agreements at all parks. Many parks already have concession agreements with private businesses, including zip lines, a wakeboarding course, restaurant management, allowing food trucks at parks and ATMs.
“Don’t underestimate the importance of Amendment 2 for the parks,” said Greg Lein, State Park Director. “Despite a last ditch effort to misinform voters about Amendment 2, the voters heard our plea to protect the parks and I am so grateful for the support our parks have around the state. I’m very optimistic about the future of our parks and I can assure you now that the parks funding is protected, the parks will continue to serve citizens of our state and work to provide guests the best experience possible.”
Alabama state parks attract millions of tourists each year and contributes $375 million in economic impact to the entire state. When guests visit the parks they support local businesses and the tax revenues benefit the State’s ailing General Fund budget.