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DNR outlines park expansions and funding tradeoffs; fisheries and federal grant cuts flagged
Summary
DNR testimony described six new state parks, a pilot park reservation expansion, fisheries concerns (declining male blue crab counts), Summers Cove Marina liabilities, and large federal climate grant subawards; DNR seeks clarity on long‑term operating funds and foundation structures.
Andrew Gray of the Department of Legislative Services presented the Department of Natural Resources fiscal 2027 operating budget analysis, flagging a $19.2 million overall increase to $455.8 million and identifying several programmatic issues the department should address.
Gray said earlier pandemic visitation spikes have subsided but remain elevated over pre‑pandemic levels; pilot day‑use reservation systems appear to have reduced capacity closures, and DLS wants DNR to comment on expansion plans and any effects on public access. He noted 12 park openings or expansions with $3.2 million budgeted in FY27 but recommended DNR explain long‑term operating plans…
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