Politics & Government

New Bill Signed Into Law Could Serve to Protect Barrow Tourism

The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to notify cities and counties when considering the closure of a state park or historical site.

Fort Yargo State Park in Winder draws not only Barrow County residents to its trails, lakeside cottages, yurts and events, it pulls in tourists from surrounding counties and from around the state. 

A bill signed into law Tuesday by Governor Nathan Deal could serve to protect the local economy that benefits from that tourism in the event the Georgia Department of Natural Resources ever considers closing the park.  

House Bill 189, the Rural Tourism Protection Act, authored by Rep. Debbie Buckner, D-Junction City, requires the DNR to notify cities and counties when considering the closure of a state park or historical site. The bill also requires the agency to enter into an agreement for the transfer of operation and management responsibilities within a state park, as the local governing authority can become the operator/manager in order to maintain the state park or recreation area. 

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“I am delighted to be here for the signing of HB 189,” Rep. Buckner said in a news release announcing the bill's signing. “I drafted this legislation in hopes of helping communities that depend on tourism for their local economies.  HB 189 will be imperative in keeping the government accountable in sustaining the economy in rural parts of Georgia.”

Fort Yargo is hosting several upcoming event. Click the links to read more: 

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