Red, White & Blue
State parks director seeks 10 percent increase for 2014
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- The head of Idaho's state parks is asking for an increase of nearly 10 percent in general fund money in 2014.
Department of Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Merrill also told budget writers Monday the agency kept all 30 state parks open last year -- thanks in part to a legion of volunteers who provided 86,000 hours of free work last year.
The department got $1.3 million from the general fund in 2013. Merrill asked for a boost Monday, requesting $2.8 million, an increase of 9.7 percent.
Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter is recommending $1.35 million for the agency.
The department's total budget in 2013 was $32.4 million, with most of the revenue coming from park fees, RV registration fees, dedicated funds and federal cash.
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