Metro East Sun

State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) discussed a few matters with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Chief of Staff Kristin DiCenso when the latter testified at the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee hearing.

DiCenso spoke about the agency’s existing situation and Bryant took the opportunity to ask about her plans for its facilities.

“I know you’re focusing on the Metro East area, however, we have other parks … they look great,” Bryant said. “Those facilities were scheduled for upgrades, so in addition to employees, you obviously have a need for upgrades on maintenance. What’s the plan for the maintenance side of this?”

DiCenso said the department “would like to see everything up to speed.”

“But it takes time,” she said. “And our bigger parks, they’re going to get the most attention because they are the most visited. We want to have everything brought up to speed, but we also have to be realistic and work within our budget and make the best decisions.

DiCenso also said that the agency fixes things as needed when Bryant asked her about the maintenance budget.

“[The] good news is, your money comes from casinos and the first stage of the new casino was approved, so some money is coming your way,” the senator told DiCenso.

The DNR chief of staff also told the committee that the agency currently has staffing difficulties and gets “a lot of complaints from not only the general public but legislators.” She pleaded that “If you want our sites staffed up, please help us.”

An increased state funding could help the agency with its staffing concerns, DiCenso explained. The amount appropriated to IDNR for the upcoming fiscal year remains the same as the previous year at approximately $40.3 million.

DiCenso proudly told the committee how the agency was quick to act as the pandemic was unfolding to ensure visitors' safety and knew that their decision to temporarily shut down recreational areas was right.