DNR commissioner tells board of plans for spending cuts

ATLANTA - The Department of Natural Resources will cut its budget by $7.1 million, or about 8 percent, through June 2005, resulting in layoffs for dozens of state park rangers and other employees, DNR Commissioner Lonice Barrett said. <br> <br> Barrett told the DNR board Wednesday that the cuts would include closing 12 of the 14 swimming pools in state parks, and the new Richard B. Russell golf course and clubhouse in Elberton might not open. <br> <br> Up to three state parks could close, but there has been no determination on which ones, Barrett said. <br> <br> With state revenues in decline, Gov. Sonny Perdue has mandated cuts in departmental budgets. Other agencies are planning similar reductions, although DNR has given the detail. <br> <br> The agency estimates 69 jobs would be shed, although about half could be funded from other sources such as federal grants and wildlife license tag revenues. Most of the other positions are vacant. <br> <br> ``I think our state is facing financial challenges that we&#39;ve never had to face before,&#39;&#39; said Barrett, a 34-year state government veteran. ``It comes down to which one of your kids do you want to shoot.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The revised budget proposals are due to the governor&#39;s office Sept. 8, two months into the new fiscal year.