SESSION OF 2002

SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON SENATE BILL NO. 473

As Amended by Senate Committee on

Natural Resources

Brief

       SB 473 would change the name of the Toronto State Park to the Cross Timbers State Park at Toronto Lake.

       The bill would become effective upon publication in the Kansas Register.

Background

       This bill was introduced by Senator Schmidt. At the hearing on the bill, the manager of Toronto State Park appeared and explained that part of the park included an area of ancient forest known as Cross Timbers. The Committee learned that this area of forest extends from Texas, through Oklahoma and into Kansas. Some of the trees are over 300 years old. A county commissioner from Woodson County testified that it was hoped that the renaming of the park would attract additional visitors to the county and increase economic activity.

       The Senate Committee on Natural Resources amended the bill to clarify that the park was located at Toronto Lake and to make the bill effective upon publication in the Kansas Register.

       The fiscal note on the bill indicates that it would increase expenditures from the Park Fee Fund by $100 for FY 2003. The additional expense would be for new signs.

       Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet http://www.kslegislature.org/cgi-bin/index.cgi