Idaho governor recommends $42.8M for parks and rec in 2020

BOISE – Idaho Gov. Brad Little is recommending a $42.8 million budget for the Department of Parks and Recreation in fiscal 2020.

Although that’s a 1 percent, $409,000 decrease over the current year, that’s primarily because of the removal of a large number of one-time expenditures.

Overall, the governor is supporting six line item requests in 2020, including $432,000 for federal Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility projects at Lake Cascade State Park, $43,500 for a new office specialist at Lake Cascade’s new office, and additional funding to convert a part-time ranger position at Dworshak State Park to full time.

A $42,000 request to provide an additional 2 percent raise for all park rangers was not supported. The department had a 21 percent turnover rate for park rangers last year.

The governor also is recommending $5.36 million in replacement items for the agency, including $160,000 for a winch system at the Dworshak marina.

The Department of Parks and Recreation budget is sustained primarily by self-generated funds, such as entrance and camping fees.

In 2020, these dedicated funding sources account for $32.3 million, or 75.5 percent, of the governor’s overall budget recommendation.

State general fund support accounts for another $4 million or 9.4 percent, while federal funds provide the remaining $6.5 million or 15.1 percent.