Lawmakers Consider Putting $40 Million Toward Georgia Parks

Georgia conservationists are urging lawmakers to reserve about $40 million annually to help purchase more parks and maintain nicer green spaces.

Like us on Facebook

Under the bill, 75 percent of the existing state sales tax on outdoor recreation equipment would be funneled into a conservation fund.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including House Majority Leader Jon Burns, is backing the proposal. A spokeswoman for Gov. Nathan Deal told the newspaper that the governor is “receptive” to the measure.

Conservation groups say that about 80 percent of Georgia voters would be in favor of the proposed constitutional amendment.

Constitutional amendments require two-thirds approval in both chambers and voters’ approval in a statewide election.