 |
|||
|
 |
 |
|
|
|||
What's New: Current Projects: State Parks in Illinois Threatened With ClosurePrior to his ouster, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich proposed closing 11 state parks due to a lack of funding for maintenance and staffing. State legislators introduced legislation to reinstate funding for these parks and 30,000 people signed an online petition to prevent their closure but by late 2008 the parks had been closed. As Lieutenant Governor, Pat Quinn championed the fight to save the parks and when he took over as Governor in January 2009 he made good on his promises. On Feb 29, 2009 Gov. Quinn announced the reopening of 7 closed state parks and restored 12 full time positions at the Dept of Natural Resources. On April 23rd, he reopened 11 state historic areas closed last year. On May 8th, Quinn announced $21.2 million in grants for 59 parks. Funding for these parks comes from the IL Department of Natural Resources 2009 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development fund which receives monies from a real estate transfer tax. In a state that just a few months ago faced major park closures, Quinn brings hope to park activists nationwide. He has shown that it is possible to honor the importance of parks even in these difficult economic times. LINKS:
"Parks are still slated to close" "State lawmakers, business leaders, question state park closings" "Protesters fight for state parks to remain open" |
|||
|
|||