WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderBills to Save State Parks Sent to the Governor

Bills to Save State Parks Sent to the Governor

SPRINGFIELD - Two bills drawn up to save state parks and historical sites set to close later this year has been sent to the governor.

Governor Rod Blagojevich has 60 days to sign or veto the measures that would save the sites, as well as more than 300 state jobs that are set to be lost as part of state budget cuts.

However, there is already at least one report saying the parks will be closing. "At least one vendor at Wolf Creek State Park in southern Illinois received an October 2 notice from the Department of Natural Resources that the park would be closing," said State Senator Tim Bivins, (R) Dixon.

Lowden Memorial State Park and Castle Rock State Park in Oregon are also on the list of 11 parks and 13 historic sites scheduled to close November 30. Governor Blagojevich has until December 6 to make his decision on the bills. "There are still several opportunities for mischief by the Governor. He could drag this out until after the parks and historic sites close. He could sign the legislation then refuse to release the funds. Or he could change the legislation, which would require lawmakers to return to Springfield again to act on his changes," said Bivins.

"We must make our voices heard loud and clear that these parks and service providers are too important to play games with," said State Senator Dave Syverson, (R) Rockford.

If you would like to contact the Governor's Office to share your opinion about the bills, call 312-814-2121, or email governor@state.il.us and you can also sign the "Save the State Parks" petition by clicking on the link to the left of this story.