newjerseynewsroom.com

Sees idea as a way to raise millions to operate parks, historic sites

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Amenities offered at New Jersey’s 39 state parks such as boating or snack stands would be privatized and expanded under a plan to raise more money to operate the parks, Gov. Chris Christie announced Wednesday.

The governor said the parks and state-run historic sites cost the state about $39 million annually but such things as entrance, parking, camping and marina fees raise only about $8 million. He said in order to keep the parks and historic sites from closing, provide additional staff and provide maintenance more money is needed.

The plan also calls for partnering with non-profits and corporations raise the money.

"This is all about the tough choices that need to be make from a fiscal perspective without having to sacrifice some of the real opportunities that make New Jersey such a special plan," Christie said at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

The governor said entrance and parking fees would not increase for New Jerseyans and said there are no plans to increase the number of large-scale events such as rock concerts. There would be, for example, an increase in camping, boat storage and bus parking fees. The fee per camper would rise from $1 to $3.

While amenities would be privatized, the state Department of Environmental Protection would continue to manage and operate the parks.

“State parks, forests and historic sites are among New Jersey’s most treasured assets, providing recreational activities for families and serving a critical role in our land-preservation efforts all across the state,” Christie said. “The key to keeping these entities open and viable for our residents today and for future generations is to keep them attractive as destinations and capable of generating self-sustaining revenue. Our strategy will enhance the offerings at our parks by expanding services and amenities, resulting in an improved, sustainable visitor experience.”

The plan is designed to generate 38 percent of the park system’s operating budget by 2015. Several projects are already underway including a Request for Proposal for Liberty State Park concessions, leasing the state’s golf courses, and identification of pilot sites for the installation of solar arrays on impervious surfaces. The Christie administration expects to begin seeing revenue from the initial privatization projects by the end of 2012.

“The state park system is at a crossroads,” DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said. “Our parks and historic sites are very expensive to run. At the same time, they are enjoying great popularity and the total acreage of land the system manages continues to grow. To ensure the long-term viability of the parks, we are adopting a new approach that focuses on revenue production, operational excellence and partnering with corporations, nonprofits and foundations that will allow us to bring in new revenues, add exciting new programs and ventures, and enable the State to better focus on protection and management of our extensive natural and historic resources.”

Liberty State Park, Island Beach State Park in Ocean County, and Wharton State Forest in Atlantic, Burlington and Camden counties will be the sites of pilot projects for parks funding. The changes are to be announced in the future.

Assembly Environment Chairman John McKeon (D-Essex) said of the plan, “I’m pleased the governor is focusing on state parks and historic sites, but there is cause for concern. Any plan that raises park amenity fees on New Jerseyans and moves us toward the corporatization of parks and historic sites requires scrutiny, especially in this difficult economy when working class families are turning to our parks and historic sites for affordable recreation.

“We also must be mindful of the mission of our state parks and historic sites,” McKeon said. “Private partnerships can be helpful, but the devil, as always, is in the details. For instance, no one wants to see a fast food restaurant in a state forest. Any private partnerships must be in sync with our long-standing goals of preserving New Jersey’s great beauty and history with dignity.”

The park system encompasses 440,000 acres in 21 counties, including more than 500 miles of hiking and riding trails, and 10 miles of beaches. It includes 39 active recreation areas with year-round operations. In addition, more than 50 historic sites are attached to parks, including historic districts, villages and battlefields.

Christie said the plan is designed to create a long-term stream of funding. The strategy has two phases focusing on short and long term revenue growth. The goal of the first phase is to increase non-tax resources to $15 million by 2015 through an initial round of partnerships with private sector and non-profit organizations and environmental foundations at some of the state’s largest parks.

The longer term goal of the second phase is to raise about two-thirds of the annual operating budget for the park system from alternative funding sources, thereby greatly reducing reliance on the state budget while increasing funding for the parks.

The governor maintains fees using the privatized amenities would remain lower than other those of other states.

As the governor describes it, the DEP will take a new direction in running the park system that includes:

• Marketing and managing each State park’s unique offerings and amenities, including their ecological significance;

• Establishing pricing for amenities in line with other states and local competition;

• Having nonprofit partners provide amenities and financial support;

• Staffing parks at sufficient levels to maintain operational excellence;

• Using new funding to support stewardship, interpretive services and staffing;

• Eliminating non-mission critical functions and expenses.

To read the entire Sustainable Parks Report, visit:

http://www.nj.gov/dep/sustainableparks/docs/funding-strategy-es.pdf.