Cottonwood Canyon State Park, which opens in 2013, will be paid for by lottery funds. Photo from Oregon Parks and Recreation.
Coming to you in November, a ballot measure that will protect a major source of money for Oregon state parks, river restoration and wildlife habitat.
Known as the Water, Parks and Wildlife measure, it was certified today for the ballot by the Secretary of State’s office.
The measure is a constitutional amendment that guarantees 15% of lottery revenues will go state parks, programs to improve water quality and restore wildlife areas. These programs are already getting that money. But the funding expires in 2014. This measure makes it permanent.
The lottery funds have made a huge difference, especially for the state parks. A decade ago, the state parks were in so much financial trouble that dozens of them were getting ready to be closed. Not only did the lottery money turn things around, but since then state has been opening new parks every year since 2005. The best known are Stub Stewart near Vernonia, and Cottonwood Canyon in North Central Oregon that opens in 2013.
When a similar measure went on the ballot in 1998, it had overwhelming support from voters. Things might be tougher this time. Some legislators and union leaders don’t like the idea of tying up so much lottery money at a time when the state is hard up for cash.
Still waiting for the measure to be assigned a number.
Related Stories:
200,000 Strong: Park Supporters Turn In Names For Ballot Measure
Coming Soon: What Could Be Oregon’s Biggest State Park
This Fall, Will Oregon Support Water, Parks and Wildlife?
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