Missouri parks

The Kansas City Star

In 1984, and twice since then, Missourians voted to improve their state parks and to stem a huge erosion problem by endorsing a one-tenth-cent sales tax. This year lawmakers should put the tax up for renewal again.

It's been an excellent investment. In the early 1980s, Missouri's parks were in decline and tourism was dwindling. ...

The tax money paid for extensive improvements that brought back the parks as popular tourist attractions; 17 million annual visitors generate an economic effect of $538 million.

The state spent the money appropriately. The ruts in park roads and trails are gone. Nearly all of the system's 260 miles of roads have been fixed, and more than 900 miles of trails are available for public walking, hiking or horseback riding. Picnic shelters have new roofs, and restrooms and showers have new plumbing. ...

The tax raises $39 million annually, with half going to parks and half for voluntary programs that encourage soil-saving farming methods. A resolution in the state Senate would put the tax, now scheduled to expire in 2008, before voters for a fourth time, on the 2006 general election ballot. It was renewed in 1988 and 1996. ... Failure to renew would be devastating, quickly sending Missouri's parks and soils into sharp declines. ...

Give the people the chance to decide again. The facts should help to make the case for another 10 years of a good thing.