As part of the unfolding political drama over Louisiana’s budget shortfall, which appears to be chipping away at every corner of state government, lawmakers heard from Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser this morning about how more than half of all state parks and historic sites could be shuttered.
Aside from simply living with the trimming of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism’s crown jewels, among the only solutions would involve lawmakers returning in a special session to come up with the revenue needed, whether through taxes or other means.
“Folks, we’re in bad shape,” said Rep. James Armes, D-Leesville, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “We got to look for some more funds so the lieutenant governor has something to work with. Heck, he’s over there working it to the bare bones.”
Nungesser explained how he plans to address what amounts to at least $26 million in cuts to his CRT department. By far the biggest loser would be state parks, which would have to absorb a $12 million reduction—the largest cut out of the entire CRT department. State libraries, museums, cultural development and the office of the secretary all face additional reductions of roughly $2 million each, with the tourism budget slated for $5.6 million in red ink.
“We’re going to fight hard to keep all of these facilities open,” Nungesser said, noting that his predecessor, now-Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, suffered a long string of cuts during his tenure as well. Nungesser added, “Truly, when you look at the cuts, how did (Dardenne) keep it all together with these beautiful facilities?”
With $750 million needed to fully fund the state budget that’s being drafted now for the next fiscal year that begins on July 1, CRT has been saddled with an overall 30% reduction. The big job now for the lieutenant governor is to work with lawmakers to find the money needed to get his own budget whole again. He asked lawmakers to remember that his department offers a return on the state’s investment, especially when it comes to tourism.
“In my eyes failure is not an option,” Nungesser said. “This would send out echoes that would damage us for years with visitors.”
A dozen state parks are set for potential closure, including Bogue Chitto, Chemin-A-Haut, Cypremort Point, Fairview-Riverside, Grand Isle, Hodges Gardens, Lake Bistineau, Lake Bruin, Lake Claiborne, North Toledo Bend, St. Bernard and Tickfaw. This list is based on a matrix of revenue and expenses for each park, with the assumption that the department’s overall 30% cut is implemented and no new money is discovered or generated by lawmakers.
—Jeremy Alford
Jeremy Alford and Gordon Brillon will publish a daily update throughout the legislative regular session on Daily Report PM. Alford reports on Louisiana politics at LaPolitics.com. Follow him on Twitter or on Facebook. He can be reached at JJA@LaPolitics.com.
