State parks to get a little TLC
Heritage Fund to see increased funds
By STU MERRY
Placement of rip rap along the north embankment of Garrison Bay Marina at Fort Stevenson State Park and replacement of the park’s restroom and shower facilities are among numerous projects proposed by Governor Jack Dalrymple.
The governor announced Monday his plan for major improvements to North Dakota state parks and for statewide conservation enhancements. The governor’s plan calls for investing $30.4 million in new funds to expand and improve state park amenities and increase public access to North Dakota’s outdoors.
Dalrymple also proposes increasing the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund to $50 million, bringing the state’s total commitment for new conservation and outdoor recreation projects to $80.4 million during the 2015-2017 biennium.
Fort Stevenson State Park Manager Chad Trautman said the facility being replaced is the east comfort station. It was built in 1979. Trautman said he thinks the station has served its purpose. "It’s time for an upgrade," he said.
"We do our best at maintaining our facilities however this one has begun to show signs of needed repairs. It needs a new roof, the shower stalls are in need of upgrading, the tiles along the wall have fallen off and need to be replaced," he said.
