Lawmakers in Texas have cleared the door for additional money, which might lead to the creation of new state parks where people can go fishing, hiking, and camping. The Texas House of Representatives this week passed two legislation to establish the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which will utilize $1 billion to acquire additional acreage for park expansion.
Sen. Tan Parker’s (R-Flower Mound) Senate Bill 1648 and Sen. Tan Parker’s (R-Flower Mound) Senate Joint Resolution 74) will soon be presented for signature to the governor. Advocates are optimistic that Governor Greg Abbott would sign the measures because he has already asked for a raise in the budget for state parks, as reported by The Texas Tribune.
“This would create a new golden age for our state parks,” said Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas. There are many reasons to rejoice. This is an excellent present for the 100th anniversary of Texas State Parks.
If Abbott approves the measures, the subject will be put to voters in November as a constitutional amendment. On January 1st, the state may start spending the money. With around 636,000 acres of parkland for more than 29 people as of 2019, Environment Texas reports that Texas ranks 35th in the USA for state park area per capita.
State parks saw a surge in visits both during and after the outbreak. According to the study, by 2030, Texans will need more than a million additional acres of state park space. Existing Texas state parks may also receive funding to ensure their continued existence.
The tweet below verifies the news:
The Texas House gave initial approval to two bills that would approve spending up to $1 billion on more land for state parks. Voters would need to approve the fund this November. https://t.co/Ygli2d0EJb
— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) May 15, 2023
Rep. Justin Holland (R-Rockwall) has introduced a combination of proposals (House Bill 3165 and House Joint Resolution 138) that would establish a conservation fund to distribute grants for the protection of water resources and local and state parks.
Both bills and resolutions were passed by the Texas House earlier this month; however, the Texas Senate has not yet taken action on them. Six new Texas state parks are scheduled to open within the next 12 to 15 years, as revealed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department earlier this month.
You can read more Texas-related news in the California Examiner at the following link:
- A Massive Texas Dairy Farm Fire Was Started By An Engine Fire In A Manure Hauler
- Couple From North Texas Files Lawsuit Against Man Who Shot Their Sleeping Son Through Apartment Wall
Later this year, visitors can enjoy the first at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park. The park spans over 4,800 acres and is situated 75 miles west of Fort Worth and 75 miles east of Abilene. After 25 years, North Texas finally gets its own state park.
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