CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A man who formerly headed the West Virginia State Parks System worries about the potential ramifications to state parks under allowances of House Bill 4408 which is still under debate with less than a week to go in this year’s legislative session.
“It opens the door to privatization of our state parks,” Ken Caplinger said last week on MetroNews “Talkline.”
Caplinger said language of the bill could potentially enable a developer to swoop in and gain a major foothold on a profitable venture in which the state made the biggest investment. The state parks are in the midst and nearing completion of more than $150 million in deferred maintenance and upgrades in recent years. More money is slated to be spend improving certain parks.
“Why open the door to hand over facilities in the parks that are making some money right after all of this renovation and investment, just handing it back over to the private sector,” he said.
What is Ken Caplinger, Former WV State Park Asst. Supt from 1979-92, opposition to HB 4408? This legislation would allow the WVDNR to enter into contracts with companies that offer recreational opportunities at state parks. Caplinger joins @HoppyKercheval. https://t.co/yCFQ3nDJuy pic.twitter.com/bg5I1xuZGG
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) March 3, 2022
There are already some private operating agreements in some state parks. However, the bill drastically changes to the structure of the agreements. Caplinger said traditionally state park leases are for 10 years with an option to renew for 10 more. He said the language in this bill would be a 30-year lease with an option to renew for 20 more.
“After all these improvements that have been made, why give up any of the revenues of existing facilities,” he explained.
Supporters of the bill say privatization traditionally creates more efficiency and smoother operations. Caplinger disagreed. He added in this case, the private sector will price West Virginians right out of their own state parks.
“Look what it does to the rates the average West Virginia would have to pay. I’m not criticizing Stonewall, but take a look at their rates for cabins and lodge rooms then compare it to Pipestem, Blackwater, or Cacapon. The rates there are exponentially higher,” Caplinger said.
The 60-day regular session ends Saturday night.