Published: June 07, 2009 12:17 am      

Budget shortfall could close parks

JENNERSTOWN — One cost of erasing Pennsylvania’s $3 billion-plus budget deficit could well be the closing of five state parks in the Johnstown region.

A Republican budget proposal that already has passed the state Senate would slice $20 million off the $126 million budget of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

If something doesn’t change, and soon – the 2009-10 budget year begins July 1 – 35 to 50 of the state’s 117 parks could be shuttered. Among them are Blue Knob, Yellow Creek, Laurel Summit, Laurel Mountain and Linn Run.

DCNR said the closures “would sharply reduce access for anglers, hunters and hikers,” and noted that park-area businesses also would suffer. About 1,000 miles of state forest roads also would shut.

“We sincerely hope we will not have to close,” said DCNR spokeswoman Christine Novak. “People will have less opportunity for recreation opportunities or have to travel a greater distance for them.”

Hundreds of state park workers also would be let go, she said, though she didn’t have employment figures for the five Johns-town-area parks at her fingertips Friday.

DCNR said a House budget proposal would cut $7 million from its budget and avert any park closings.

The district of state Rep. Carl Metzgar, R-Berlin, includes Laurel Summit State Park and its majestic Beam Rocks. He calls Novak’s proposal “disingenuous.”

“They’re trying to scare people into a tax increase,” he said Friday.

“I don’t want to close any parks. I think it’s one of our strongest assets. But people are losing their jobs and they want to raise taxes. That’s wrong.”

He said the fact that Novak named the parks – instead of just saying 35 or 50 parks would have to close – shows scare tactics are involved.

Not so, Novak said. She said the list was provided at the request of Sen. Mary Jo White, R-Venango. “She sort of forced us into that position,” Novak said.

“I don’t think this should be dismissed as scare tactics. This is very real to us. Budgets have consequences,” she said.

Metzgar said at least the Republicans have a plan on the table, “a starting point.”

“We should be down there today so state employees aren’t furloughed in July. That’s the crying shame,” he said.

“I will fight for that park, don’t get me wrong. But I guarantee they (DCNR officials) haven’t had time to go through the numbers. They just pulled these out of the air, or intentionally.”

He said Senate Bill 850 would not pass in its current form.

Folks interviewed at Walat’s bar and restaurant – on Route 30 near Laurel Mountain State Park – were unanimous they didn’t want the parks to close. Yet they were divided on whether they would pay higher taxes to support them.

Co-owner Jane Walat, 57, of Boswell, said perhaps the state should try what New York State does: Charge a fee to those using the parks.

She’d be willing to pay extra.

Dave Schneider, 59, of Jeannette, was up visiting his camp.

He said closing parks stinks.

“That’s one of the nice things about this area,” he said. Meanwhile, lawmakers are spending money willy-nilly in less important sectors, he said.

“They should be able to do something different,” said Schneider, who works at nuclear power plants.

Timothy Woy, 23, of Jennerstown, said the parks should remain open.

“People use them,” said Woy, who works at his dad’s garage.

Just don’t ask him to pay higher taxes.

Novak said the closure list is not final, “though this is the list that we would start with.”

The department said 3 million visitors would be turned away annually should 35 parks close.