Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval  Watch |  Listen

Commerce to close 6 state park pools as part of budget cuts

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.





More News

News
Governor signs bill phasing out state taxes on Social Security and receives praise
The phase-out would mean a 35% cut retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024; 65% in 2025 and 100% in 2026.
March 28, 2024 - 11:46 am
News
West Virginia Parkways Authority prepares for Easter travelers on the Turnpike
More than 500,000 transactions are projected at the West Virginia Turnpike through Monday.
March 28, 2024 - 11:30 am
News
Governor vetoes vaccination exemption bill, and now that debate is primed to get even bigger
House Bill 5105 would have removed vaccination requirements for students in virtual public schools, and it also would have allowed private and parochial schools to set their own standards.
March 28, 2024 - 11:14 am
News
Lottery reports $50,000 Powerball ticket sold in Charleston
Four numbers and Power Ball matched.
March 28, 2024 - 10:24 am