The Texas Legislature should provide more money for state and local parks.

A pair of bills before state officials would remove a cap that has limited funding to Texas parks to $32 million a year.

The removal could result in tens of millions of dollars in increased funding a year, including $20 million for local parks.

The Texas parks system is largely supported through the state's sales tax on sporting goods. That tax brings in more than $100 million a year and is supposed to be dedicated to parks, yet parks receive less than a third of the revenue. The remainder goes into the general fund.

Furthermore, while the cap is $32 million, the Legislature only appropriated $20.5 million last year.

That is $13 million less than a citizens committee proposed for San Antonio's May bond election to acquire Voelcker Park land.

It's not enough for a booming state with many parks. The cap should be eliminated.

Parks are a valuable asset for every community. At a time when cities are experiencing exploding growth and concomitant congestion, it's important to preserve areas where people can experience nature.

In addition to providing recreation, parks have economic value.

Texas economist Ray Perryman has estimated that local parks contribute more than $5.5 billion to the Texas economy.

The money is generated through tourism, festivals and businesses that locate in certain areas because of a high quality of life.

Local parks would benefit from increased state funding as well. The state funding is used to provide matching grants to communities that invest in their parks.

Texas is 49th in the nation in per capita spending on parks, according to Luke Metzger of Environment Texas. Without more funding, many will be forced to close, curtail their hours and cut staff positions.

We can do better.