East Haven Lawmaker Albis Leads Passage of Legislation to Support State Parks

State Representative James Albis (D-East Haven) led the debate in the state House of Representatives on a bill that will help better fund and maintain Connecticut’s state parks, which passed with unanimous support. Senate Bill 1061, An Act Concerning The Fiscal Sustainability of State Parks, asks the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to examine ways state parks may generate their own sources of revenue through concessions, recreational amenities, and other services.

“Finding additional means to ensure our state parks stay clean and cared for is an issue that we call all get behind. This bill will allow our state parks to be more self-sufficient and generate their own sources of revenue and pursue additional sources of recreation for the benefit of park goers. While these new revenue streams will certainly not replace state support, they will help supplement the cost of park maintenance and will allow us all to enjoy Connecticut’s 139 beautiful and beloved state parks for many years,” said Rep. Albis, House Chair of the Environment Committee.

SB 1061 would also amend the Adopt-a-park program to allow state parks to incentivize financial sponsorships by recognizing individual or group donors with a placard displayed within the park and raise fees for special events, such as weddings.

“By passing this bill we are allowing Connecticut’s state parks to become more self-sustaining by offering expanded recreational amenities so that the parks can remain available for future generations,” said Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-Branford), Senate Chair of the Environment Committee. “Our state park system is one of Connecticut’s most important natural resources, drawing thousands of annual visitors and contributing billions of dollars to the state economy. I applaud the House of Representatives and the Senate for passing this important piece of legislation. I look forward to the Governor’s timely signature of this bill.”

On May 20, 2015 the state Senate voted in unanimous support of SB 1061. The bill now awaits a signature from Governor Dannel Malloy.