Alabama faces a general fund budget shortfall of more than $580 million dollars. If legislators cant find new revenue, there could be sweeping cost cutting measures. This includes layoffs and reductions in state services affecting, among other things, law enforcement and state parks. While Governor Robert Bentley delayed closing four parks and two golf courses earlier this month, the threat still looms.
Alabama State Parks Director Greg Lein says the Alabama Parks System covers the majority of its costs from park visitors, but if that money is transferred to the general fund, Lein says nearly thirty percent of the park’s budget will be slashed, not 10 percent as some legislators are claiming. Lein explained to WBHM’s Chris Osborne.