Lawmakers Not Ready to Fast Track Repairs on State Parks

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – South Carolina legislators have put the brakes on requests to make quick repairs to two beach-front parks ravaged by Hurricane Matthew, saying the state’s tourism agency needs a plan addressing all its parks.
A legislative panel this week approved the engineering phase of rebuilding Edisto Beach and Hunting Island parks.
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism wanted permission for the entire construction process but lawmakers want to make sure parks in their districts get attention too.
Eighteen parks were closed at the height of the storm. With Huntington Beach State Park set to reopen Friday, only Edisto and Hunting Island remain closed.
Parks director Phil Gaines says those parks suffered the most damage and admissions and camping fees from those parks help pay for others not as well attended.