Chicot State Park could face cuts, closures because of funding

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State parks, including one in Evangeline Parish, could see more budget cuts and more closures in the near future.

Since 2008, the state government has slashed more than 67 million dollars in funding for state parks. those cuts have forced the state to cut more than 250 positions through layoffs and attrition.

The Lieutenant Governor's Office, however, is looking at ways to counter those cuts.

Chicot State Park is a picturesque scene, but those who live in the area and work here are scared that visitors won't be able to enjoy it much longer.

"We're very worried that our park might be one of the ones that is cut, " said Camille Fontenot Head of Tourism and a resident of the area.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says next year's budget could slash funding for state parks even further, forcing the state to close some parks, including Chicot.

"With the billion dollar deficit, we're preparing for another 10 percent cut. It would be devastating. I already take tourism money to fill the budget holes at the arts programs, state libraries. How much money can we take from tourism before the numbers start going down," said Nungesser?

Nungesser says he has a solution for this problem. The state could partner with local businesses to bring activities like zip lining and canoeing to the park. Those activities, Nungesser suggests, would generate money to keep the park open.

"Maybe someone can go out and teach a child how to work a kayak and teach classes," Nungesser added.

For now, Chicot State Park employees are fixing cabins damaged by the 2016 and 2017 floods. They hope that the renovations will entice visitors to take in the natural beauty of the area.

"Our Chicot State Park here in Evangeline Parish is probably our lifeline for keeping tourism, " says Fontenot.

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