More Money Proposed For State Parks Including Rocky Neck

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

Deep inside Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s latest budget proposal is a plan that proponents of state parks have been screaming for – a dedicated fund to keep the Hammonasset in Madison, Silver Sands in Milford and Rocky Neck in East Lyme up and running year round.

Malloy’s third budget proposal, unveiled last Friday, imposes a $6 increase on motor vehicle fees to provide a dedicated revenue source for state parks.

It is the first time Malloy has proposed what is called a “Passport to Parks” plan in any of his budgets.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has long pushed for a new fee to ensure state parks stay open, staffed and maintained despite the state budget crisis.

The fee, which proponents have wanted set at $10, would be collected along with auto registration fees. In return, residents would be allowed to visit all state parks at no cost.

Out-of-state visitors still would have to pay for parking at state parks that currently charge for entry.

Legislators say the fee would generate about $10 million more in revenue than the present entry and parking fees state residents pay.

Proponents say the goal is to keep state parks open year-round.

Currently the parks shut down after Labor Day, due to staffing and funding issues.