State committee to study recreation and tourism revenue

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A state senator says he's exploring the possibility of an initiative petition to raise revenue for the state Department of Tourism and Recreation.

Senator Jim Wilson of Tahlequah says he's forming a committee to study the agency's needs and explore ways to provide a reliable revenue stream for state parks and tourism.

The agency has identified $88-million in capital improvement needs. But Governor Henry recently vetoed plans to spend $2.4-million on water and sewage projects at state parks. That put repairs at Eufaula State Park and 15 other parks around the state on hold.

Wilson says he wants to rid the agency of the crisis management component of capital improvement by guaranteeing at least $10-million annually for capital needs.