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Alabama lawmakers on Thursday approved a proposed $85 million bond issue to improve state parks.
Voters would have the final say on whether to launch the plan.
The legislation is an initiative of Gov. Kay Ivey and would pay for renovations of campgrounds, cabins, and other facilities at Alabama’s 21 state parks, which are under the control of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The bill would set aside $5 million for historical sites and historical parks under the jurisdiction of the Alabama Historical Commission.
The legislation would create the Alabama State Parks Enhancement Authority to sell the bonds.
The bill is by Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville. The Senate passed it today by a vote of 29-0. The House concurred later by a vote of 98-0. Lawmakers also gave final approval Thursday to a bill that spells out specifics about how the bond issue and park improvement plan would work.
The proposed constitutional amendment will be on the ballot for the 2022 primary election.
Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Guntersville, who spoke for the bill in the Senate, called it a great day for state parks. Scofield said parks would concentrate on projects that generate revenue, such as cabins and campsites. Some of the money from the bond issue would be used to provide internet connectivity to all campgrounds and overnight accommodations.
The revenue will help the park system fund other amenities that don’t necessarily generate revenue, like trails, Scofield said.
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The Legislative Services Agency estimates that paying off the bonds would cost the state about $6 million a year over 20 years.
This story was updated at 8:38 p.m. April 30 to say that the Legislature gave final approval.
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