SALT LAKE CITY — A resolution will be introduced in the Utah State Legislature to allow the state to co-manage the "Mighty Five" national parks.
Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy, told FOX 13 News he will introduce a resolution that would allow the state to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Interior to help manage the parks, including addressing more than $400 million in deferred maintenance projects.
The resolution would also handle seasonal hiring to keep the parks open at full capacity this summer, and allow for the state to keep some of the money the parks generate.
In an interview with FOX 13 News, Rep. Eliason said it would not open the parks up for development.
"The federal government would maintain ownership of the land. It would be a joint maintenance agreement," he said. "No, we're not looking to do anything like that. It's just to fix the bridges, fix the trails, work on the campgrounds, the water systems, all those types of systems that are way past due."
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The resolution, if passed, would go to Congress. It could also expand to allow the state to co-manage U.S. Forest Service land as well.
Utah's "Mighty Five" national parks include Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion.
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