CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Department of Commerce is working on a plan to cut the budget of the state Division of Natural Resources by $1 million.
The reduction comes as part of the new state budget passed by state lawmakers last week and signed into law by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. A budget that fills a projected $270 million revenue hole in the new fiscal year.
State Commerce Secretary Keith Burdette says as of right now he believes he won’t have to layoff any DNR workers and he’ll be able to keep state parks open but some attractions in those parks will be closed, probably as many as six swimming pools.
“We’re trying to focus those reductions on those amenities that are less used,” Burdette said. “The pools are those that typically have some of the lowest utilization rates.”
Burdette said the goal is to cut the attractions in the parks not close the parks.