DNCR seeks $9.26M for park upgrades, RV electrical upgrades and historic site repairs

Interim Commissioner Adam Crapo presented a streamlined DNCR capital request focused on deferred maintenance and revenue‑generating upgrades. The department requested roughly $9.26M in general‑fund capital and identified several projects that include matching opportunities with federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

Crapo said two campgrounds (Ecoya/Ecoya spelled "Ecoya" in distributed materials and Lake Francis) require pedestal upgrades to 50‑amp service to accommodate modern RVs. The department proposes a combined project cost of $2 million and plans to seek 50% LWCF matching funds. "The current standards for modern RVs are 50 amp service," DNCR staff said, arguing upgrades are necessary to avoid decommissioning sites.

Other DNCR requests covered a $500,000 White Lake water system replacement, a Mount Washington fuel and safety program to replace aging summit fuel tanks (project total estimated ~$3M with some Mt. Washington Fund contributions), Odiorne State Park visitor center replacement and expansion (structured to use park fund revenue and LWCF match), and $2.5M for roofing repairs across many park buildings. DNCR also sought $1.25M for parking/paving projects and funding for select historic site repairs (White Island lighthouse and Fort Constitution needs).

Crapo emphasized that DNCR is prioritizing investments to avoid escalation in deferred maintenance costs and that some projects will use park fund debt supported by anticipated retail or user revenue. Committee members asked for a list of targeted roofs and parking lots and probed park fund balance variability; DNCR said the parks fund has fluctuated but carries a legislative floor (~$1.5M) and has weathered seasonal ebbs and flows.

Next steps: DNCR will provide a prioritized list of roofing and paving projects and further detail on Odiorne and Mount Washington funding plans.