State Parks may have to close from Lack of Federal Dollars, but Streetcar Still On Track

As reported in todays Idaho Statesman at http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/1012382.html, several Idaho state parks are under threat of closure due to lack of funding.  Many of the dollars they receive each year are from the federal government.

It's ironic that the federal government, including all four Idaho members of Congress, are falling all over themselves trying to put in streetcars all over the country, but lack the foresight to protect existing parks that are of utmost importance.  In Idaho, the parks are not only used by residents, but thousands of out of state travelers come to them every year, spending millions of tourist dollars.  The possibly now exists that when they show up to visit, the "CLOSED DUE TO LACK OF FUNDING" signs at some of the parks will be in their faces.

Just another example of how the priorities of our elected officials are a complete disconnect from reality.  All four of the Idaho Congressional members - Walt Minnick, Jim Risch, Mike Crapo, and Mike Simpson - are pro-streetcar.  Apparently they do not care about the lack of funds for Idaho state parks. As I have stated numerous times, every tax dollar spent on a streetcar system is a tax dollar that is taken away from something else.