State Parks director outlines funding requests, rolling annual pass and housing pilot
February 09, 2024 | Utah Department of Natural Resources, Utah Government Divisions, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
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Acting director Scott Strong used the Feb. 8 meeting to give a business and legislative update on programs, funding requests and operational changes.
Annual pass: Strong said the division changed its annual pass from a calendar-year product to a rolling 12‑month pass in response to visitor feedback and technological updates. "Anyone who buys an annual pass in February and on, it'll be a rolling 12 month pass," he said. Parks staff are distributing registration sleeves and digital instructions to park offices ahead of a social media push.
Appropriations and capital projects: Strong reviewed multiple funding requests and project updates. Representative Albrecht requested $810,000 from the OHP restricted account to bring power to the Butch Cassidy State Monument; staff anticipate Rocky Mountain Power and local county partners will administer work. The board also heard of a request for between $5 million and $10 million to address Bear Lake marina needs and a $9.5 million general-fund request (with additional matching funds) to acquire land at East Canyon State Park.
Housing, workforce and visitor lodging: The director described a pilot program to use local high-school and technical-college students to build seasonal housing and visitor cottages; the division requested a mix of one-time and ongoing funds to support seasonal housing and cottage construction and said local contractors and suppliers have contributed materials and expertise.
Other items: Scott briefed the board on Golden Spike site design, the Red Fleet remodel, and visitation metrics. He reported year-over-year visitation growth to just over 11 million visitors last year and noted improved operating profits at several parks. Staff introduced an annual video highlighting site improvements and projects scheduled for 2024.
The board asked questions about appropriations and implementation; staff said appraisals, fiscal notes and final legislative steps remained pending for several large requests.
Annual pass: Strong said the division changed its annual pass from a calendar-year product to a rolling 12‑month pass in response to visitor feedback and technological updates. "Anyone who buys an annual pass in February and on, it'll be a rolling 12 month pass," he said. Parks staff are distributing registration sleeves and digital instructions to park offices ahead of a social media push.
Appropriations and capital projects: Strong reviewed multiple funding requests and project updates. Representative Albrecht requested $810,000 from the OHP restricted account to bring power to the Butch Cassidy State Monument; staff anticipate Rocky Mountain Power and local county partners will administer work. The board also heard of a request for between $5 million and $10 million to address Bear Lake marina needs and a $9.5 million general-fund request (with additional matching funds) to acquire land at East Canyon State Park.
Housing, workforce and visitor lodging: The director described a pilot program to use local high-school and technical-college students to build seasonal housing and visitor cottages; the division requested a mix of one-time and ongoing funds to support seasonal housing and cottage construction and said local contractors and suppliers have contributed materials and expertise.
Other items: Scott briefed the board on Golden Spike site design, the Red Fleet remodel, and visitation metrics. He reported year-over-year visitation growth to just over 11 million visitors last year and noted improved operating profits at several parks. Staff introduced an annual video highlighting site improvements and projects scheduled for 2024.
The board asked questions about appropriations and implementation; staff said appraisals, fiscal notes and final legislative steps remained pending for several large requests.
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