Letter To The Honorable Robert F. McDonnell, Governor Of The Commonwealth Of Virginia

Letter

Connolly Urges Gov McDonnell to Keep Mason Neck Park Open

Congressman Gerry Connolly today called on Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell to reconsider his proposal to close Mason Neck State Park, pointing out that the cost to the local economy and lost revenue to the state is five times greater than the $101,904 savings anticipated from the park closure.

In a February 19 letter to McDonnell, Connolly said, "Your decision to close Mason Neck State Park won't save a dime, will result in more than a half-million dollars in lost revenue to the local economy, lost sales tax and business income tax revenue for the state, and the loss of access to prime recreational and educational opportunities for Northern Virginians."

Connolly noted that the 88,000 visitors to the Mason Neck State Park last year spent more than $500,000 at local businesses in the area and generated approximately $27,500 in state sales tax revenue, besides paying day-use fees to enter the park. "Closure of the park will not save money for the Commonwealth," he said.

Connolly said thousands of school children use the environmental education center at the Mason Neck Park in southeastern Fairfax County each year and he pointed out that it is the closest state park for approximately 2 million Northern Virginians. Mason Neck is also the best place in Northern Virginia to observe bald eagles and many other types of wildlife, due to its unparalleled concentration of protected open space.

Mason Neck is the only state park in Fairfax County and the closest state park for residents of Fairfax and Arlington Counties, Alexandria, Fairfax City, and the City of Falls Church.

"I hope you will revisit your decision on this matter," Connolly wrote.

Here is the text of Congressman Connolly's letter to Governor McDonnell:

February 19, 2010

Governor Robert F. McDonnell
Commonwealth of Virginia
P.O. Box 1472
Richmond, VA 23218

Dear Governor McDonnell,

On behalf of the residents of Northern Virginia, I urge you to reconsider your proposal to close Mason Neck State Park in southeastern Fairfax County.

Closure of the park will affect recreational opportunities for approximately 2 million Northern Virginians. As you know, Mason Neck is the only State Park in Fairfax County and the closest state park for residents of Fairfax County, Arlington County, Alexandria, Fairfax City, and the City of Falls Church.

Last year, more than 88,000 people paid fees to visit the park's day use area, and that figure does not include countless numbers of people who parked along High Point Road to explore other sections of the park abutting the day use area.

Furthermore, closure of the park will not save money for the Commonwealth. The negative economic impact of lost revenue to area businesses and lost sales tax and income tax payments to the Commonwealth is five times greater than the $101,904 the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation estimates the state will save by closing the park.

Visitors to the Mason Neck State Park last year spent more than $500,000 at local businesses in the area, generating approximately $27,500 in state sales tax revenue. That does not take into account additional revenue from the state income tax paid by those business owners and the day use fees paid by visitors to the park.

Mason Neck State Park has 3 miles of hiking trails, an environmental education center visited by thousands of school children each year, a canoe and kayak launch into the Potomac River, picnic facilities, and an amphitheater. Mason Neck also is the best place in Northern Virginia to observe bald eagles and many other types of wildlife, due to its unparalleled concentration of protected open space. It has irreplaceable recreational value for residents of our densely-populated region.

I understand that you have to make some tough budgetary decisions this year. But your decision to close Mason Neck State Park won't save a dime, will result in more than a half-million dollars in lost revenue to the local economy, lost sales and income tax revenue for the state, and the loss of access to prime recreational and educational opportunities for Northern Virginians.

I hope you will revisit your decision on this matter.

Sincerely,

Gerald E. Connolly
Member of Congress
11th District of Virginia

Source