Other states considering park funding
A recent Arizona report looks at alternative funding options for their state parks. The report, The Price Of Stewardship: The Future Of Arizona’s State Parks, includes the following discussion on license plate fees and how other states have successfully implemented them.
Montana has imposed a surcharge on non-commercial license plates with the revenue going to state parks. In exchange, anyone with a Montana plate is admitted to state parks free of charge, although other fees apply and this is just one source of funding for the state’s parks. The public may opt out of this charge and about 25% choose to do so. Out-of-state park visitors still pay entrance fees. Michigan is considering this idea now, and California has looked at it. The state of Washington moved from a completely voluntary program to an automatic $5 charge, unless someone choose’s to opt out of the “donation.” The funds are “keeping parks open.” Without the dollars, many parks would have been closed.
Tags: Arizona, funding, Recreation Passport
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