It comes around every 25 years or so.
Someone gets the idea that it would be a good idea to turn state parks over to private corporations.
The last time was in 1994, when the legislature moved to privatize the state park system. That move was defeated by an enormous public backlash.
Now the legislature is at it again.
The House of Delegates has already passed the privatization bill HB 4408, by a vote of 77 to 20.
Both House of Delegates members from Morgan County – Ken Reed and George Miller – ignored the pleas of the Cacapon State Park Foundation and voted for the corporatization bill.
Those pushing the bill say that the bills only allow for private contracts for financing and construction of new facilities at state parks like RV parks and equestrian centers.
But the bills would give corporations a foot in the door by allowing for fifty year contracts.
There are no restrictions in the bills on what corporations can build or operate at the parks.
Casinos?
Racetracks?
Amusement parks?
Ads for junk food outlets?
No restrictions.
The Cacapon State Park Foundation yesterday posted an urgent plea on its Facebook page.
“The West Virginia House has just passed a bill – HB 4408 – that would allow widespread privatization of our West Virginia State Parks – including Cacapon State Park, which appears to be near the top of the list,” the Foundation wrote. “The bill — SB 485 — is on its way to the West Virginia Senate. While limited, appropriate private investment in some distinct portions of park operations has proven to be wise, this bill goes too far and lacks the reasonable controls needed. At the very least, the terms need to be more closely examined. In addition to changing forever the legacy of our beautiful parks, privatization greatly increases the prices the public pays for golf, lodge rooms, cabins and other recreational facilities. It could spell the end of state operations at Cacapon State Park.”
“Please consider contacting the West Virginia state senators below who represent the eastern panhandle to express your views and request that SB 485 be converted to a study resolution, if not defeated outright.”
Craig Blair — craig.blair@wvsenate.gov (Senator from Berkeley County, is the Senate President.)
Charles Trump — charles.trump@wvsenate.gov (Senator from Morgan County and Chairman of Senate Judiciary Committee )
Patricia Rucker – patricia.rucker@wvsenate.gov (Senator from Jefferson County)
Hannah Geffert – hannah.geffert@wvsenate.gov (Senator from Jefferson County)