Governor Jack Dalrymple is proposing $80 million for parks and conservation projects.
The proposal is included in his 2015-2017 budget.
Of that $80 million -- $50 million would go to the existing Outdoor Heritage Fund – and another $30 million for improvements to state parks.
"These major investments and capital improvement projects will greatly increase the number of campsites, cabins and the overall capacity of our state park system," said Dalrymple at a state capitol news conference.
This proposal includes the creation of a “day park” along the Missouri River south of Bismarck. It would be close to the existing Missouri River Correctional Center, the state’s minimum security prison. Dalrymple says there’s a lot of land between the MRCC and the proposed park.
"This is very much an isolated area," said Dalrymple. "It sits alone by itself on the river. It's a fantastic access to the riverbank for the general public."
A number of other parks would see improvements as well. Dalrymple says he’s made legislative leaders aware of it – and he believes they will support it.
