Thread: All Alabama state parks in danger of closing over budget woes

Is there no end to the political drama?
All Alabama state parks in danger of closing over budget woes | AL.com

What the article misses to point out is that the budget that was put forward in the House & Senate during the special session took user fees away from Parks division, as well as taking license fees from MRD & FFW Divisions. This budget was even worse for Parks than the one from regular session.
So it would just make the situation worse: not only would Parks get cut, they would take away the fees they collect and put those fees in the General Fund.
Also, every dollar taken away from MRD & FFW means we lose $3 in Wallop Breaux & Pittman Robinson funding, which comes from the excise tax we fishermen & hunters pay on our gear.
The is no small lack of leadership in our Legislature and even less understanding by the public that we have already cut our budgets every years since 2007. Any more cuts and that means closures, layoffs and fewer services.
And its worse for Public Safety, probably looking at losing another 100 state troopers and closing most driver license office run by the state. Can you imagine driving 3 hours for your CDL renewal or for your kid to take the driving test??

The last two times I was at the pier 'scuttlebutt' was running rampant saying "The pier may close."
We can't say it will not happen, because it can with the stroke of a pen...

If that were to happen ,it is most likely they have lost this tourist for good . ( As much as I love it down there and its people . ) After all ,why would I bother, since the primary reason for coming is to fish the pier .

Originally Posted by usa

If that were to happen ,it is most likely they have lost this tourist for good . ( As much as I love it down there and its people . ) After all ,why would I bother, since the primary reason for coming is to fish the pier .

+1.....Florida isn't far away.....the bride likes Panama city as it is.....and there is 2 good piers now.....I still and always will prefer Gulf shores for the people......but I too come for the fishing

Somebody with influence might talk to the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to get them started on negotiations to take over the day to day operation with excess funds generated going back to the state.

PLEASE take this survey

http://survey.dcnr.alabama.gov/TakeSurvey.aspx?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=96K2nn4&Prev iew=true

The only reason we come to Gulf Shores is for the pier. If they close it we will not come back. Wife prefers Panama City anyway. Tried to take the survey but it said not found.

If the pier closes I know a house that will be up for sale in Gulf Shores.

Sad if the pier closes. We too come down to fish although the pier is not on our agenda, it would be a shame.