Informational meeting on state park closures Oct. 2 in Clinton

[September 25, 2008]  CLINTON -- Local residents, visitors and others who would be affected by the proposed closure of Weldon Springs State Park, or the other 10 state parks slated for closure by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, are invited to take part in an informational meeting on Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Clinton High School. A panel of officials will be available to present information on the current park situation as well as to answer questions from the audience.

Confirmed panel members include state Sen. Bill Brady and state Rep. Bill Mitchell. Event coordinators have also extended invitations to representatives from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the governor's office.

Currently, both the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate have approved over $200 million in fund sweeps that could be used to keep the parks open, as well as to reverse other budget cuts made by the governor. However, final approval on the spending of the fund-sweep money must be given by the governor, who is not obliged to agree with the spending plans outlined by the House and Senate.

The informational forum is being coordinated by the "Save Our Springs" coalition. To obtain more information about the initiative, contact Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau at 217-935-3364.

[Ruth Stauffer, executive director, DeWitt County Development Council]