Directs the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to study the economic impact of the closure of each state park or historic site

Title of bill

An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in relation to directing the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to evaluate the economic impacts of the proposed closure of public access to land owned or operated by the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation

Purpose

This bill would direct the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to evaluate the economic impact of the closure of each state park or historic site.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill adds a new section 13.14 to the parks, recreation and historic preservation law that would require the commissioner, within no less than 120 days of the proposed closure of a state park or other lands under the control of the department, to perform an examination and evaluation of the economic impact of the closure using the following criteria:

a. the revenue the state receives as a result of access to the park remaining open; b. the cost to the state to keep the access open; c. a comparison of the economic impacts of closure vs. continued operation to the state, the locality and to the public; and d. the amount of federal assistance to the state and local governments that will be lost as a result of closure.

The bill requires that a report be issued by the commissioner to the governor and the legislature within 45 days of the closure

Section 2 of the bill provides for the effective date.

Justification

New York has some of the most spectacular state-operated parks in the country. From the shores of Long Island to the mighty Niagara Falls, New York's 178 state parks offer countless opportunities to explore New York's natural environment, escape from the grind of the everyday and experience exciting new adventures.(1) Unfortunately, the 2010-2011 Executive Budget proposes to close or severely restrict access and services at some state parks. The decision to close or restrict access to state parks should be made through an analysis that looks at whether the money being saved by the state outweighs the money and quality of life lost by the closure or restricted access.

In this unprecedented recession, New Yorkers are looking for a retreat from their economic woes and state park lands provide an escape at a minimal cost. Closing parks will inconvenience New Yorkers who rely on the parks for rest, recreation and relaxation. Before a park is closed, the question that must be answered is - does the closing of the park in question make sense?

This bill would require the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to perform a thorough cost-benefit analysis and report its findings to the Governor and Legislature before closing or altering access to state park lands.

Legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Local fiscal implications

To be determined but would be a loss to locality.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately. FOOTNOTE : (1) New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Website