Missouri Voters Approve Extension of Parks and Soil Conservation Sales Tax
Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 1, continuing a sales tax that funds state parks, historic sites, and soil and water conservation programs for another decade. This tax, originally passed in 1984, constitutes a significant portion of the state parks' budget…
St. Louis, MO, August 4, 2026 —
Missouri voters have overwhelmingly approved Amendment 1, ensuring the continuation of a dedicated sales tax that supports the state’s parks, historic sites, and soil and water conservation programs for an additional ten years. The measure passed with significant public support.
This sales tax, first enacted by voters in 1984, has become a crucial funding source for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. It accounts for a substantial portion of the budget allocated to the state park system, enabling the maintenance and operation of numerous natural and historical attractions across the state. A key benefit of this funding mechanism has been the provision of free admission to all Missouri state parks, a policy that has allowed widespread public access to these recreational and educational resources.
The renewal of this tax is expected to maintain the current level of funding for these programs. This includes support for the conservation of natural resources and the preservation of historic sites, contributing to both the state’s environmental health and its cultural heritage. The funding will continue to be utilized for park operations, maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and conservation efforts for the next decade.
Story summarized from the original created by Trevor Grandin on www.stlpr.org, see more information here.
Media gallery
