As the Arizona House of Representatives put their final touches on House Bill 2001 aimed at reductions and sweeps of $9.2 million from conservation funds such as the state parks, supporters of these destination spots want to look at other options.

The consequence of the sweeps could result in closures of state parks, causing an additional $266 million revenue loss to communities by reducing leisure business generated by the 2.3 million park visitors every year.

Bill Meek, president of Arizona State Parks Foundation, said the house bill would greatly impact the Verde Valley.

The four parks in the Verde Valley generate about $66 million annually.

Meek did say Slide Rock National Park would be among the last ones to close because it is self-sustaining and brings in revenue for the state.

He added more than 250,000 people visit Slide Rock each year, and the other three parks combined bring in a similar  amount.

Meek said the closure or reducing services in state parks will create domino effects on rural communities relying on tourism.

He said people visiting state parks often shop at local restaurants and businesses and rent motel rooms in nearby communities where parks are located.

He added if parks are closed or services are cut, tourists will go elsewhere, and the result could prove to be disastrous.

Meek said it makes little sense to cut services for state parks to save $9.2 million when considering they generate $266 million. He added the parks also generate another $23 million in sales tax.

“It makes no sense to throw that away for $9.2 million,” he said.

Sedona Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff said Arizona State Parks have a significant economic impact on the communities and counties in which they are located. In 2001 ASP generated more than $126 million in economic impact.

Sedona, surrounded by several state parks, recognizes these economic impacts of state parks as a tourism resource, and it depends on these parks as a tourism attraction to its many millions of visitors each year.

She also said the value of Arizona State Parks is not measured by economic impact alone, mentioning parks enhance a community’s quality of life and preserve priceless historic, cultural, and recreational resources for residents and

visitors from around the world.

Meek said the belief is the House of Representatives and other lawmakers in the Phoenix area do not realize the importance of keeping the parks fully staffed and open because they rarely see their value since most parks are located in rural communities.

The House of Representatives has already decided to move forward with its bill, and Meek thinks it will find its way to Gov. Jan Brewer’s desk very soon.

He added the parks and its supporters plan on making a lot of phone calls to the governor’s office and wants individuals to e-mail her office in hopes she finds other ways to save funds.

Meek mentioned everyone realizes the state is in a tough economic financial situation, and some programs have to suffer.

However, he also believes those cuts should not come from places bringing in revenue.

Ellen Bilbrey, communications director for the Arizona State Parks, said the proposed house bill is being watched very closely.

She also sent out a press release to inform people what could be occurring and asked them to let government officials know their feelings.