Gov. Ivey proposing millions from education budget to fund whitewater recreation facility

Alabama legislators are continuing to work on finalizing state and educational budgets for next year. One item in Gov. Kay Ivey's proposed education budget is sparking debate among state leaders. There are questions about a line item for the Montgomery County Commission. The item would supply the county with $25 million in education trust fund dollars to help pay for an over-budget whitewater recreation facility.

On Friday, Ivey spoke at the Alabama Opportunity Summit in Birmingham. After her remarks, she was asked how using the money from the education trust fund is justified.

"We have several funding in education trust fund and the general fund, and when you look into ways to spend wisely you check with local folks and the local folks recommended the water park, and I’m told it has education components and the bottom line is when you invest in communities, you’re investing in good schools," the governor responded.

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Alabama Senator Arthur Orr (R) is the chairman of the senate finance and taxation education committee. He would not say one way or the other, if he supports this. He said he is still in the 'listening phase' and added, there's a lot of work to be done before the budget is finalized.

"Almost every decision, it's incumbent upon me as the chairperson to listen and listen to the input from my colleagues," said Orr.

Orr said he wants to understand why the recommendation was made by the governor and what others have to say. He said reaction to the proposal has been mixed.

"The non education decisions that were submitted to the legislature for consideration are getting the hardest look and I'm getting a lot of feedback about those particular recommendations," explained Orr.

Ivey said this isn't a case of trying to deceive state lawmakers.

"I don’t know anybody being caught by surprise. We try to be transparent in everything we do," said Ivey.

Montgomery Whitewater is set to open this summer. It sits on 120 acres, to have both outdoor recreational opportunities and entertainment.