edward
04-14-2009, 07:29 PM
State Parks Swipe Heritage Funds
To All Friends of the Arizona Heritage Fund,
Unfortunately, at a time of unprecedented financial shortfall, our state government approved this January:
· Huge “sweeps” of numerous funds, including nearly $6 million in Arizona State Parks’ Heritage Funds.
· A reallocation of $3 million of Heritage Funds to the Arizona State Lands Department for its Fire Suppression Fund, money that department officials said at a recent JLBC hearing they do not need.
· Cancellation or suspension of $11.7 million worth of Heritage Fund projects in 25 Arizona communities already contracted for and underway ~ more than shovel-ready!
Regarding this last bullet point, dozens of private citizens, non-profit organizations, and local government and tribal officials have contacted the Alliance and expressed absolute frustration with the desperate and dismaying action taken by Arizona State Parks. Many are “on the hook” with signed agreements they cannot keep without the funds, as well as half-restored and roofless historic properties, half-built park structures that are now an eyesore and possible safety hazard, and fragile archaeological artifacts that now are not in compliance with federal standards. In addition, these projects help to bring in construction jobs and tourism dollars. The multiplier effect of the economic impact of these projects to communities, urban and rural, is significant.
Although Arizona State Parks was backed into an untenable situation by the State Legislature’s removal of its funding, both General Fund and Heritage, its action to remove Heritage Fund monies from grantees is unprofessional, shameful and possibly illegal. This is no way to approach the celebration of Arizona’s Centennial in 2012!
We are asking you to please email the Parks Board chair, Reese Woodling rwoodling@azstateparks.gov, telling him you are outraged that State Parks swiped $11.7 million of Heritage Fund grants to use to keep Parks open.
And while there will not be an Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund grant cycle in 2009, there will be a $10 million allotment from the Arizona Lottery to Arizona State Parks. Please tell Chairman Woodling that it is imperative this $10 million be directed to the “suspended” grant projects immediately.
Also, please cc to the other Parks Board and staff at: William C. Scalzo, Phoenix wscalzo@azstateparks.gov ,Arlan Colton, Tucson acolton@azstatparks.gov, Tracey Westerhausen, Phoenix twesterhausen@azstateparks.gov, Larry Landry, Phoenix llandry@azstateparks.gov, William C. Cordasco, Flagstaff wcordasco@azstateparks.gov, Mark Winkleman, State Land Commissioner mwinkleman@azstateparks.gov, Ken Travous, Director, Arizona State Parks, ktravous@azstateparks.gov, Michael Anable, Policy Advisor, Natural Resources, Office of the Governor - manable@az.gov , Rich Dozer, Chair, Governor’s Sustainable State Parks Task Force, Rich.dozer@genspring.com.
The swiping of these grants is unprecedented and reprehensible! The Arizona Heritage Fund was voter-initiated in 1988 and approved by two-thirds of the electorate in 1990. Backed with Arizona Lottery proceeds, the Fund is a nationally acclaimed “quality of life” and economic development tool that supports and protects our state’s parks, open space, wildlife habitat, environmental education, trails, historic and cultural sites, and public access to public land. And State Parks has no intention of repaying these swiped funds in the 2010 budget either. The Arizona Heritage Fund was not designed to be used as operating funds for State Parks!!!
Since 1990, more than $338.5 million of Heritage Funds have been invested in preserving and enhancing an incredible array of natural, cultural, and recreational resources in every Arizona county and legislative district. The economic multiplier factor brings that number up close to $1 billion.
Go to the Arizona Heritage Alliance website at http://azheritage.wordpress.com/2009/03/23/heritage-cuts-in-arizona-2009/ and view all the “suspended” Heritage Fund grants in Arizona and below is a reprint editorial from the Camp Verde Bugle. This opinion piece is something that you could also suggest to your own local newspaper (taking the information that’s on the Heritage Alliance’s map of heritage-related cuts and personalizing it for your own community).
Thanks so much for your support and please contact the Arizona Heritage Alliance if you should have any further questions or comments at: 602-528-7500, mail@azheritage.org or www.azheritage.org.
To All Friends of the Arizona Heritage Fund,
Unfortunately, at a time of unprecedented financial shortfall, our state government approved this January:
· Huge “sweeps” of numerous funds, including nearly $6 million in Arizona State Parks’ Heritage Funds.
· A reallocation of $3 million of Heritage Funds to the Arizona State Lands Department for its Fire Suppression Fund, money that department officials said at a recent JLBC hearing they do not need.
· Cancellation or suspension of $11.7 million worth of Heritage Fund projects in 25 Arizona communities already contracted for and underway ~ more than shovel-ready!
Regarding this last bullet point, dozens of private citizens, non-profit organizations, and local government and tribal officials have contacted the Alliance and expressed absolute frustration with the desperate and dismaying action taken by Arizona State Parks. Many are “on the hook” with signed agreements they cannot keep without the funds, as well as half-restored and roofless historic properties, half-built park structures that are now an eyesore and possible safety hazard, and fragile archaeological artifacts that now are not in compliance with federal standards. In addition, these projects help to bring in construction jobs and tourism dollars. The multiplier effect of the economic impact of these projects to communities, urban and rural, is significant.
Although Arizona State Parks was backed into an untenable situation by the State Legislature’s removal of its funding, both General Fund and Heritage, its action to remove Heritage Fund monies from grantees is unprofessional, shameful and possibly illegal. This is no way to approach the celebration of Arizona’s Centennial in 2012!
We are asking you to please email the Parks Board chair, Reese Woodling rwoodling@azstateparks.gov, telling him you are outraged that State Parks swiped $11.7 million of Heritage Fund grants to use to keep Parks open.
And while there will not be an Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund grant cycle in 2009, there will be a $10 million allotment from the Arizona Lottery to Arizona State Parks. Please tell Chairman Woodling that it is imperative this $10 million be directed to the “suspended” grant projects immediately.
Also, please cc to the other Parks Board and staff at: William C. Scalzo, Phoenix wscalzo@azstateparks.gov ,Arlan Colton, Tucson acolton@azstatparks.gov, Tracey Westerhausen, Phoenix twesterhausen@azstateparks.gov, Larry Landry, Phoenix llandry@azstateparks.gov, William C. Cordasco, Flagstaff wcordasco@azstateparks.gov, Mark Winkleman, State Land Commissioner mwinkleman@azstateparks.gov, Ken Travous, Director, Arizona State Parks, ktravous@azstateparks.gov, Michael Anable, Policy Advisor, Natural Resources, Office of the Governor - manable@az.gov , Rich Dozer, Chair, Governor’s Sustainable State Parks Task Force, Rich.dozer@genspring.com.
The swiping of these grants is unprecedented and reprehensible! The Arizona Heritage Fund was voter-initiated in 1988 and approved by two-thirds of the electorate in 1990. Backed with Arizona Lottery proceeds, the Fund is a nationally acclaimed “quality of life” and economic development tool that supports and protects our state’s parks, open space, wildlife habitat, environmental education, trails, historic and cultural sites, and public access to public land. And State Parks has no intention of repaying these swiped funds in the 2010 budget either. The Arizona Heritage Fund was not designed to be used as operating funds for State Parks!!!
Since 1990, more than $338.5 million of Heritage Funds have been invested in preserving and enhancing an incredible array of natural, cultural, and recreational resources in every Arizona county and legislative district. The economic multiplier factor brings that number up close to $1 billion.
Go to the Arizona Heritage Alliance website at http://azheritage.wordpress.com/2009/03/23/heritage-cuts-in-arizona-2009/ and view all the “suspended” Heritage Fund grants in Arizona and below is a reprint editorial from the Camp Verde Bugle. This opinion piece is something that you could also suggest to your own local newspaper (taking the information that’s on the Heritage Alliance’s map of heritage-related cuts and personalizing it for your own community).
Thanks so much for your support and please contact the Arizona Heritage Alliance if you should have any further questions or comments at: 602-528-7500, mail@azheritage.org or www.azheritage.org.