Missouri voters renew tax supporting state parks, conservation
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Missouri voters have renewed the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax, securing funding for the state’s parks, historic sites and conservation programs for another decade.
The statewide one-tenth of 1% sales tax generates about $136 million annually. Revenue is divided equally between Missouri’s 93 state parks and historic sites and soil and water conservation efforts.
First approved in 1984, the tax must be renewed by voters every 10 years. It would have expired in 2028 without approval in Tuesday’s election.
“We are very honored Missouri voters demonstrated their confidence in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to protect their state parks, historic sites, water quality and soil resources,” department Director Kurt Schaefer said.
More than 20 million people visit Missouri’s state park system annually, including about 1.3 million overnight guests. Admission to the state’s parks and historic sites remains free.
A University of Missouri analysis found the park system generates about $1.5 billion in business sales and supports nearly 12,000 jobs. The system operates with an annual budget of approximately $68 million.
The tax also supports conservation programs for Missouri landowners. State officials said those programs have prevented an estimated 195 million tons of soil from eroding from farmland since 1984. Nearly 295,000 conservation practices were implemented through fiscal year 2025.
Over the next decade, the Department of Natural Resources plans to complete 28 projects across 22 state parks, invest $15 million in capital improvements and open Shepherd of the Hills and Eleven Point state parks to the public.
Other plans include renovating lodging and campground facilities, upgrading playgrounds and installing additional storm-warning sirens at campgrounds.
“As a proud first-generation farmer and supporter of Missouri’s state parks and historic sites, I appreciate Missourians’ continued backing of this important investment,” Gov. Mike Kehoe said.
