Coalition of Business Organizations and Businesses Voices Support for Prop. 21

State Parks are an Integral Part of California's Economy

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Yes on 21, Californians for State Parks and Wildlife Conservation

Aug 26, 2010, 12:54 ET

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The campaign supporting Prop. 21, the Nov. 2 ballot measure that will provide a stable and adequate funding source for state parks and beaches, has announced strong support for the measure from a strong coalition of business organizations and leaders throughout the state – collectively representing more than 10,000 businesses. In deciding to support Prop. 21, these groups are citing the importance of state parks to California's economic health.

Among the business organizations and businesses that have endorsed Prop. 21 are:

California Travel Industry Association (CalTIA)
California Lodging Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association
NTA (National Tour Association)
California Parks Hospitality Association
California Ski Industry Association
San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau
Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau
Central Valley Tourism Association
Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau
Santa Barbara Conference and Visitors Bureau
Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council
Humboldt County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Visit Mendocino County Inc.
Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau
North Lake Tahoe Resort Association
Ridgecrest Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Solvang Convention and Visitors Bureau
Cupertino Chamber of Commerce
Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce
El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce
Lompoc Chamber of Commerce
Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce
Carpinteria Valley Chamber of Commerce
Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce
Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce
Crescent City-Del Norte Chamber of Commerce
Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce
Topanga Chamber of Commerce
Russian River Chamber of Commerce
Sierra Business Council
Patagonia
Adventure 16

"State parks are part of California's DNA," said John Severini, CalTIA president and CEO. "As an economic engine, state parks are responsible for providing the lifeblood for many local economies, and are essential to creating local jobs and keeping small businesses open. Without the adequate funding provided by Prop. 21, the businesses, jobs and communities that rely on the economic activity generated by state parks will suffer."

Hundreds of businesses throughout California, including travel and tourism, entertainment industry, retailers, hospitality, recreational, food services and more, rely on the economic activity generated by state parks and beaches. Annually, state parks attract approximately 80 million visits. A recent study found that state park visitors spend an average of $58 in neighboring communities each time they visit a state park or beach. In fact, state park and beach visitors generate so much local economic activity that every dollar spent on state parks creates another $2.35 for the state treasury.

"Properly maintained state parks are more than just good for the community, but they are good for California's economic bottom line," said John Mead, Adventure 16 president. "Our company – Adventure 16 – is just one example of the businesses in California that rely on state parks to keep our doors open. The funding from Prop. 21 isn't simply about protecting our state's parks and beaches, it's about investing in California's economic growth and stability."

Chronic underfunding of state parks has caused them to accumulate a $1.3 billion backlog in needed maintenance and repairs. Twice in the past two years, state parks were on the brink of being shut down.

Last year, nearly 150 state parks were shut down part-time or suffered deep service reductions because of budget cuts, and more park closure proposals and budget cuts are expected this year. Thousands of scenic acres are closed to the public because of reductions in park rangers, and crime has nearly tripled.

Approval of Prop. 21 will provide California vehicles with free, year-round day-use access to state parks and beaches, in exchange for a new $18 surcharge. This new surcharge will be assessed as part of California's annual vehicle registration. All California vehicles will be subject to the surcharge, except larger commercial vehicles, mobile homes and permanent trailers. Funds from the surcharge will be placed in a trust fund dedicated specifically to state parks and wildlife conservation, which cannot legally be used for other purposes.

Business support for Prop. 21 is only one part of the wide-ranging coalition of interests that are supporting the Nov. 2 ballot measure. Other supporters include The Nature Conservancy, California Teachers Association, California State Park Rangers Association, California State Lifeguard Association, Location Managers Guild of America, Heal the Bay, California Action for Healthy Kids and the California State Parks Foundation. For a full list of supporters, please click here.

For more information on Prop. 21, please visit www.YesForStateParks.com or www.facebook.com/YesForStateParks.

SOURCE Yes on 21, Californians for State Parks and Wildlife Conservation