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Senate advances appropriation for recreation and tourism outreach at Utah State
Summary
Senate Bill 35 would fund a statewide recreation and tourism research/extension outreach (building on Utah State University’s historic program); supporters said it will help local economic development while some senators raised concerns about duplicating existing programs or directing money through the Board of Regents.
Senate Bill 35, presented by Senator Hilliard on Jan. 30, 1998, would provide an appropriation to expand a recreation and tourism research and extension program, restoring outreach capacity that had previously been funded and later reduced.
Hilliard argued the program supports economic development by helping communities develop compatible recreation and tourism uses of natural resources and noted Utah State University previously led similar work. He cited support from industry and local leaders who had testified in committee and advocated for the state to underwrite extension specialists to provide hands-on assistance across counties.
Some senators questioned why the funding was directed to one university rather than the Board of Regents or existing parks-and-recreation programs. Senator McAllister and others suggested private-sector groups or parks-and-recreation departments might play a role; Hilliard and supporters said Utah State has a graduate training program and extension infrastructure to deliver an unbiased, statewide outreach service and that private funding carries concerns about perceived bias.
The Senate recorded 25 aye votes, 3 nays and 1 absence; SB35 will be included among end-of-session funding reviews to determine actual appropriation availability.
Next steps: SB35 advanced to the third-reading calendar. Fiscal consideration will occur among other budget priorities before final funding decisions.
