BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Idaho Capital Sun reports that a record influx of state and federal funding is paying for a $140 million transformation of Idaho state parks. Two funding sources have created what one state legislator calls a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in and protect Idaho state parks.
The funding includes:
- $45 million through the federal American Rescue Plan Act Biden signed into law in March 2021.
- $95 million through Senate Bill 1196, which the Idaho Legislature passed earlier this year and Gov. Brad Little signed on March 30. The funding will come through transfers from the state's general fund to the parks and recreation fund and was created by the record budget surplus the state of Idaho accumulated at the end of the fiscal year 2022.
The money is being spread around the state, with all 30 state parks set to benefit.
The Idaho Capital Sun says money is going toward buying a hot springs to add to the state parks portfolio, paving a scenic Eastern Idaho trail that is situated where railroad tracks used to run and opening a new observatory that allows the public to use telescopes to scan the dark skies for free.
The funding will support renovated restrooms, up to 450 new campsites over the next 10 years, additional boat ramps, parking, trail improvements and electrical and water upgrades over the next several years, officials said.
At least $70 million from the state surplus money will address deferred maintenance projects backed up for years at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. There is also funding for capital projects to expand access to parks and build new projects.
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