| (a) Park visitor services and accommodations may be
operated by a concessioner under contractual arrangements with the
department. Park concessions shall be limited to visitor services
and accommodations that are necessary and appropriate for public use
and enjoyment of the state park area in which they are to be located,
and that are consistent to the highest practical degree with the preservation
and conservation of the area.
(b) Except as noted in this paragraph, all building
and land improvements for overnight or day-use accommodations in state
parks for which user fees are charged shall be developed at state
expense. The department shall be responsible for the operation and
maintenance of overnight and day-use facilities developed with state
funds and shall also be responsible for the collection of user fees
unless this responsibility has been specifically delegated to a concessioner.
In the event cabins, lodges, or other buildings and structures are
deemed essential for the public's full enjoyment of an area, and state
funds are not available in priority for their development, the commission
may authorize facilities to be constructed, operated, and maintained
with private capital.
(c) In parks where certain facilities for visitor services
and accommodations have been provided at state expense, a concessioner
may be permitted to use said buildings, structures, and installations
provided he assumes full responsibility for their maintenance and
repair due to normal wear and tear.
(d) The executive director, subject to the provisions
of commission policy, shall take such action as may be appropriate
to encourage or enable the use of private capital to provide visitor
services and accommodations necessary for the full enjoyment of park
areas administered by the department.
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