Alabama State park funding in danger - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

Alabama State park funding in danger

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By Stephen McLamb - bio | email
State park funding could be cut if the bill passes. State park funding could be cut if the bill passes.
MARSHALL COUNTY, AL (WAFF) -

Funding to the state parks could be slashed dramatically if a bill passing though the legislature becomes law.

Much of the state park funds come from the people who visit them. However, $8 million provided by the state could become just $1 million if the House version of the bill is passed.

State parks are expected to regenerate just over $33 million this year, but traditionally they've received $8 million more from the state.

Last year, the $5 million in sales tax revenue was cut for two years to the parks. Now, the House has passes a bill which would transfer two of the remaining $3 million in state funds that comes from the cigarette tax to go to the general fund.

State park officials said if the money is cut, it will impact the parks. One state senator said he opposed the 67 percent cut in cigarette tax funding to the parks.

While the House version of the bill has passed, the Senate has not yet voted on the budget that includes the state park funding.

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