New White County State Park Included In Gov Lee’s Proposed Budget

White County’s request to create a state park around Virgin Falls is included in Governor Bill Lee’s proposed budget.

The spending plan includes $27.8 million to create Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park. County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said the proposal is a promising step forward.

“It’s great,” Robinson said. “It is going to affect the county in big ways, especially in the tourism department and tax revenue to visit the area. There are so many people that worked hard on this. It is a great accomplishment for White County. We are very happy about it.”

The some 9,000-acre park would unite Virgin Falls State Natural Area with Dog Cove and Lost Creek State Natural Area. The budget still needs to pass the General Assembly before becoming official.

Sparta White County Chamber of Commerce Marvin Bullock said local officials have worked over 30 years for the funding.

“I think it has taken time to get it on the docket and for them to come to terms with everything that was going to be required and which parcels are going to be included,” Bullock said.

Bullock said the unique part of this proposal is the “Wilderness” designation. Bullock said the park would focus on outdoor camping and hiking instead of lodges, restaurants and RV’s.

The investment would be used to construct a new visitors’ center, maintenance shop, restrooms, utilities, roadways and parking infrastructure.