Nathan Benefield posted on 1/19/2011 5:58:00 PM
Dirk,

I think you misunderstand what we are talking about--privatizing the services state parks run. These including campgrounds, resort hotels and spas, boating, swimming (yes, some parks even charge for swimming), picnic pavilions, and more. Here is the PA State Parks price guide: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/prices/index.htm

Dirk Thompson posted on 1/19/2011 5:53:00 PM
PA State Parks currently do not have entrance fees. I have a problem with paying to access public lands purchased with my tax dollars. (Under existing law, parks cannot charge an entrance fee - read the PA Constitution!) Yes tourism would decrease as private companies raised entrance rates to pay for expensive sewage, water, and roadway improvement projects! Many communities are now dependent on water and wastewater treatment provided by some of the larger State Parks. Will private companies pay to upgrade these facilities on their own, or rely on corporate welfare from the taxpayer to turn a profit? I think we know the answer based on other attempts at privatization.

Nathan Benefield posted on 1/18/2011 10:49:00 PM
Are you suggesting there would be no tourism if state park services were handled by a private operator?

Dirk Thompson posted on 1/18/2011 10:42:00 PM
Pennsylvania has the finest State Park system in the country and returns far more in tourism dollars than the taxpayers spend on them. In fact, Pa was recently named the best in the nation. Your baseless claims of corruption and waste is just not true. A recent study revealed the majority of Pennsylvanians are happy with their parks the way they are.

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