BridgeportState Park has been removed from a list of state parks being considered for cuts in staffing. Washington State Parks, facing an $11 million dollar budget deficit, had earlier announced plans to shave 161 jobs within the agency and reduce several state parks from year-round to seasonal staffing, including the BridgeportState Park.

 

Bridgeport Mayor Marilynn Lynn led a campaign to collect support letters in hopes of convincing the State Parks Commission to keep Bridgeport’s park staffed year-round, she says it worked.

 

The 748-acre camping park on the Columbia River behind Chief Joseph Dam will remain open with year-round staffing for maintenance and security.

 

The Washington State Parks budget is approximately $90 million, three-quarters of the money comes directly from the state legislature and the rest from user fees. The money is primarily used for the day-to-day maintenance of the parks.

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