August 26, 2010 · The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, meeting in San Antonio today, approved its new budget and proposed several reductions. The commission approved a five percent agency spending reduction for the next biennium or about $25 million.
The largest reduction comes in the capital improvements area, $8.3 million which will mean a reduction in funds for purchasing vehicles, boats, tractors and other equipment and fewer repairs at agency facilities. Another $5.8 million means TPW will have less money to fund grants to cities and counties for local park projects.
Other reductions include cancelling plans to crate a new off-highway vehicle state park along the Canadian River in the Texas Panhandle, and elimination of employee merit pay and retention programs.
The budget does allow for major repairs and some improvements at state parks. No wildlife management areas, fish hatcheries, or parks will be closed. And officials say there will be no increase in fees to patrons of state parks.
The proposed budget cuts must finally be approved by the state legislature when it convenes next year.
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