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Georgia DNR - restructuring of state parks and historic sites
ATLANTA, May 27, 2009 ~~ The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced a restructuring of state parks and historic sites as a result of a nearly 39% reduction in state appropriations and 24% projected loss of revenue. Reorganization will include:
· Reducing services and access at five state parks.
· Reducing operational days and/or pursuing community support at 12 state historic sites.
· Eliminating 12% of the workforce and implementing furloughs.
· Increasing fees for accommodations, recreational activities, interpretive programs and parking.
· Pursuing alternative operation of lodges and golf courses.
· Limiting swimming pool operations.
“These decisions were heart-wrenching but were made using a business case analysis,” said DNR Commissioner Chris Clark. “We are exploring every avenue to manage budget reductions and revenue shortfalls, to properly care for our state parks and historic sites, and to minimize the impact on Georgia citizens and communities.”
The reorganization enables the agency to uphold its mission of protecting Georgia’s natural and cultural resources while also providing opportunities for recreation and education. The DNR is aggressively exploring ways for state parks, historic sites, golf courses and lodges to become more self-sustaining, while exploring opportunities for private operations of lodges and golf courses.
“Outsourcing agreements will be used only if they maintain affordable and high-quality services that are more cost-effective than our own operations,” said State Parks & Historic Sites Director Becky Kelley. “If outsourcing agreements are not possible, if our efforts do not reduce our dependence on state appropriations, or if state revenues continue to decline, further cuts and potential closures of lodges and golf courses are possible.”
see link for further details
http://www.gastateparks.org/net/cont...s=168422.0.1.5
· Reducing services and access at five state parks.
· Reducing operational days and/or pursuing community support at 12 state historic sites.
· Eliminating 12% of the workforce and implementing furloughs.
· Increasing fees for accommodations, recreational activities, interpretive programs and parking.
· Pursuing alternative operation of lodges and golf courses.
· Limiting swimming pool operations.
“These decisions were heart-wrenching but were made using a business case analysis,” said DNR Commissioner Chris Clark. “We are exploring every avenue to manage budget reductions and revenue shortfalls, to properly care for our state parks and historic sites, and to minimize the impact on Georgia citizens and communities.”
The reorganization enables the agency to uphold its mission of protecting Georgia’s natural and cultural resources while also providing opportunities for recreation and education. The DNR is aggressively exploring ways for state parks, historic sites, golf courses and lodges to become more self-sustaining, while exploring opportunities for private operations of lodges and golf courses.
“Outsourcing agreements will be used only if they maintain affordable and high-quality services that are more cost-effective than our own operations,” said State Parks & Historic Sites Director Becky Kelley. “If outsourcing agreements are not possible, if our efforts do not reduce our dependence on state appropriations, or if state revenues continue to decline, further cuts and potential closures of lodges and golf courses are possible.”
see link for further details
http://www.gastateparks.org/net/cont...s=168422.0.1.5
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