A task force appointed by the governor is calling on lawmakers to ensure the new Iowa Office on Outdoor Recreation becomes a permanent fixture in state government — and the group suggests lawmakers explore new ways to pay for recreation projects. Amy Ziegler (ZEGG-ler) of the Iowa Tourism Office says boosting outdoor recreation boosts the overall Iowa economy.
A state park user fee has been discussed in the past, but the group did not specially call for one. It instead recommended lawmakers consider charging new fees or modify existing fees or taxes to raise more revenue to develop, maintain and enhance outdoor recreation sites in Iowa.
In June, Governor Kim Reynolds appointed Iowans from state and local governments, conservation groups and businesses in the outdoor recreation industry to a task force and asked the group to identify ways to enhance Iowa’s public parks and other outdoor assets. The report says the outdoor recreation industry already supports nearly 48-thousand jobs and contributes approximately five-point-nine BILLION dollars to Iowa’s economy.
