Column: Protecting State Parks and Historic Sites  

    June 5, 2015                                                                

During this year’s legislative session, lawmakers took a vital step toward making sure Missouri’s system of state parks and historic sites continue to be among the top in the nation. In 2014, lawmakers took advantage of Missouri’s AAA credit rating to approve the issuance of up to $600 million in low-interest, marketable bonds for the repair of some of our crumbling state infrastructure. One of the main priorities this year was coming up with a plan on how to spend the money. Through House Bill 19, lawmakers decided to spend $40 million on maintaining and renovating our State Capitol; $35 million for repair and renovations at the State Capitol Annex; $35 million for the State Historical Society to make upgrades at various locations across the state; and more than $10 million to the Department of Natural Resources in the division of State Parks for repair and renovations at various state parks and historic sites around the state.

As we head into the summer months, there are many reasons to explore the natural wonders that surround us. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for the maintenance of both Missouri’s state park system and our historic sites.  I can’t impress upon you enough the fantastic and amazing things you can find or learn on Missouri’s natural trails, state parks and historic sites. I highly recommend looking in to any of these places or discovering your own. Information is available many ways. This website, www.mostateparks.com, contains many different sites to research a visit or outing, as well as any packing or camping visits you may have planned. There are many places to explore within the 28^th Senatorial District, and dozens throughout the state. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones right in our own back yard. Thank you for allowing me to serve the citizens of the 28^th Senatorial District and the state of Missouri. I always appreciate hearing from you.