This month, the Legislature started hearing interim studies, allowing legislators to dig deeper into specific issues, collect information and gather expert opinions outside of regular session.
On October 23, Rep. Tammy Townley held an interim study to examine the economic impact that Oklahoma State Parks have on their communities. It was held before the Oklahoma House Appropriations & Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee.
I've talked about tourism a lot, but it's the state's thirdlargest economic driver, makingitessentialtolookat.
During the study, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation DepartmentExecutive Director Shelley Zumwalt said state parks welcomed 11.5 million people in 2021, generating $15.5 million in state taxes and $9.3 million in local taxes. Additionally, she mentioned that visitors spent $354.3 million in local communities during their stays.
Members were asked to consider the goals of state parks in their communities. Zumwalt said the Legislature must begin to look at state parks as a source of economic activity.
As a result of deferred maintenance, Zumwalt said one state park has been closed during her one-year term. In addition, other parksarecurrentlysuffering fromissuesthatcouldbeprevented, suchasdeteriorating roads, faulty gas lines, and rotting buildings.
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Director of State Parks Sterling Zearley said immediate funding of $50 million will allow the department to address critical maintenance needs over the next year, but a total of $350 million is critical to the continued operation of state parks; otherwise, numerous parks are at risk of closure due to unsafe infrastructure.
In House District 49, we are lucky to have two incredible lakes, Lake Murry and Lake Texoma. The economic activity generated by our state parks, like these lakes, significantly boosts our local communities, making it imperative that we invest in their upkeep and maintenance.
Again, thank you for electing me to serve District 49. It is truly an honor and privilege to represent you at the State Capitol. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 405-557-7383 or josh. cantrell@okhouse.gov.
Rep. Josh Cantrell, a Republican, serves District 49 Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Carter, Love and Marshall counties.