State parks, tourist sites face large budget cuts

Funding reductions proposed in the governor’s executive budget have historic sites across the state poised to shutter most of the week.

“We know we have to commit to a great deal of belt-tightening and a great deal of prioritizing,” said Pam Breaux, secretary of the state department known as CRT that runs the state-owned parks, historic sites and libraries.

Legislators say CRT’s needs are weighed equally with other state agencies, but constituents also are asking for better health care and education.

The state operates 16 historic sites, one of which is a cemetery that does not require daily staff supervision; the sites are currently open seven days a week. The proposed budget would leave the sites open only on Fridays and Saturdays.