DCR tells Senate subcommittee state parks face $388 million deferred maintenance; staffing limits slow project delivery

Frank Stovall, deputy director of operations for the Department of Conservation and Recreation, told the Senate subcommittee the agency has identified $388 million in deferred maintenance across the state park system and that about $130 million of that figure has identified funding, leaving an estimated $258 million unfunded.

Stovall said DCR currently has $170 million in activated capital projects, with 32 projects in design or construction and roughly $82.6 million already expended or encumbered (about 48% of those funds). He said $22 million in projects are pending award but have not yet started.

Explaining delivery constraints, Stovall said DCR has increased project managers from four to six in the current budget but historically had as many as 15. "Each one of our project managers carries a 10 project load," he said, which constrains how quickly line items can convert into active work and slows spending of available funds.

On operational challenges, senators raised the difficulty of turning overnight cabins quickly between guest stays. Stovall said many maintenance crews are part time and that DCR has explored local cleaning contracts as a model for busier, more urban parks. He estimated completing the remaining renovations at Hungry Mother State Park and finishing half the cabin inventory at First Landing would cost about $6 million.

Stovall itemized near'term capital investments including $7.1 million for roof replacements across 64 structures, $3 million for HVAC and paving projects, $10 million for residential replacements and utility repairs, and $18 million for shoreline stabilization. He said DCR received $26 million in ARPA funding: $1 million was passed through to Fairfax County and the remaining $25 million split between state parks and natural area preserves, with $18 million used to supplement approved capital projects and $7 million to expand public access at four preserves.

On dam safety, Stovall said at proposed funding levels DCR can complete the critical high'hazard dams shown, but an additional 28 high'hazard dams would require about $273 million to bring into compliance with current law and regulation; he said current funding will be fully expended by 2027.

Committee members asked for follow'up on staffing and contracting models to accelerate delivery; Stovall and staff agreed to prepare additional detail for committee staff.