SC DNRs Priorities, Copper Roof Questioned
By fitsnews on September 20, 2011Comment Email Print
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is installing a new copper roof on its marine resources administrative headquarters in Charleston, S.C. part of a larger upgrade to its Lowcountry bureaucratic home.
That project is facing scrutiny and criticism in light of the agencys so-called budget crunch.
In these hard times, what is the DNR doing spending a wad of taxpayer cash on their exalted bureaucratic headquarters? one sources asks. The DNR needs law enforcement officers, not a copper roof.
News of the project comes on the same day that DNR officials proposed new fee hikes on South Carolina hunters, fishers and boaters. At the suggestion of Caroline Rhodes who was appointed chairwoman of the DNR board earlier this year by S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley the agency wants to raise fishing licenses, hunting licenses, turkey tags, saltwater fishing licenses and boat registration fees.
That would suck another $4.7 million out of the pockets of hard-working South Carolinians who are already paying for the largest budget in state history.
Fort Johnson
We want to take care of the playground, and the people who play there should pay, Rhodes told The (Columbia, S.C.) State newspaper.
Wow more limited government from the Haley administration, right?
In addition to naming Rhodes as DNRs chairwoman, Haley appointed four new DNR board members shortly after taking office this year giving her effective control of the agency.
Looks like her first major decision is going to be a fee increase yet another example of Haleys hypocrisy when it comes to her stated support for limited government.
DNR received $89.6 million in the most recent state budget a $2.5 million increase from the previous year. Most of the agencys revenue comes from fees and fines, although DNR also received $14.5 million in general fund revenue in the FY 2011-12 spending plan.
As for the new copper roof, its unclear how muc
