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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
appropriation; state park; Verde River
Purpose
Appropriates an unspecified amount from the state General Fund (state GF) in FY 2024 to the Arizona State Parks Board (ASPB) to establish a state park at the headwaters of the Verde River.
Background
The ASPB is a
seven-member board that consists of the State Land Commissioner and six other
members appointed by the Governor because of their knowledge and interest in
outdoor activities, multiple use of lands, archaeology, natural resources and
the value of the historical aspects of Arizona, and because of their interest
in the conservation of natural resources (A.R.S.
§ 41-511). The ASPB is established with the purpose to select, acquire,
preserve, establish and maintain areas of natural features, scenic beauty,
historical and scientific interest, and zoos and botanical gardens, for the
education, pleasure, recreation, and health of the people, and for such other
purposes as may be prescribed by law (A.R.S.
§ 41-511.03).
The federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act defines wild river areas as those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible, except by trail, with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. These represent vestiges of primitive America. Scenic rivers areas are defined as those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads (16 U.S.C. § 1273). The Verde River is one of Arizona's only two Wild and Scenic Rivers and is located 50 miles south of Flagstaff (U.S. Forest Service).
S.B. 1392 appropriates an unspecified amount from the state GF in FY 2024 to ASPB.
Provisions
1. Appropriates an unspecified amount from the state GF in FY 2024 to ASPB to establish a state park at the headwaters of the Verde River.
2. Exempts the appropriation to ASPB from lapsing.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 7, 2023
RA/FB/slp