Mayor hints he should reopen closed sites
By Tom Humphrey, News-Sentinel Nashville bureau
Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe noted the occasion by saying the governor could have provided "a terrific Christmas gift for all Tennesseans" by announcing the state parks would reopen.
Friday marked the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Tennessee Natural Areas Preservation Act. Ashe, then a state representative, and former Sen. Bill Bruce of Memphis were legislative sponsors.
After accepting the Natural Areas Association award, Sundquist declined to comment directly on Ashe's remarks. Ashe again urged that money be diverted from the state's road-building fund to state parks.
"What they're suggesting is that we put the chairs off the decks of the Titanic and put them in different places. Taking the same amount of money we spend in the state and redistributing that money is not a solution," Sundquist said.
"They need to have the courage to reform the tax structure of this state. They shouldn't be looking to blame anyone but themselves," the governor said.
Sundquist also signed a proclamation designating the week beginning April 8, 2002, as "Tennessee State Natural Areas Week." There will be nature hikes, "wildflower walks" and educational programs at natural areas across the state.
The five parks closed Friday bring to 14 the number closed in a round of budget cuts by Sundquist. He said they would remain closed until new revenue is found.
Sundquist noted the state's next fiscal year begins July 1 and said the parks could all reopen then if the Legislature provides new funding. If not, he said, more parks could be closed.
"I love state parks. I proposed more investments in our state parks," he said. "That wasn't in the budget (passed by the Legislature). I vetoed the budget twice. Not only that, the Legislature directed me to save $100 million this year."
He said he will again propose a budget with expanded funding for state parks, but if that budget and the new revenue it requires is rejected, "there will be more parks closed, not less (and) there will be less money for education."
State officials are projecting a $300 million shortfall in revenue to cover the current year's budget and that the state will need $800 million in new funds to cover next year's budget.
Parks closed Friday are Big Ridge State Park in Union County, Frozen Head State Natural Area in Morgan County, Henry Horton State Park in Marshall County, Indian Mountain State Park in Campbell County and Norris Dam State Park in Anderson County.
Ashe, in his statement, said: "I have always thought the governor in this case was the victim of bad advice from staff who did not know these closures would cost Tennessee federal land and water conservation money.
"The continued closure of these parks will irreparably harm these beautiful natural areas such as Norris Dam State Park and Panther Creek. The sooner they reopen, the less permanent damage."
December 1, 2001
Copyright 2001, KnoxNews. All Rights Reserved.