TYLER--Texas state representatives say they're finally moving forward with improving state park. In 1993 the state started the backpack tax, using tax money for sporting goods, such as backpacks, to improve state parks.

However, a lot of that money wasn't used as intended and parks got the short end of it.

Now, the state has increased park funding by about 400 percent, allocating more than 100 million dollars towards park improvements. However, the work cannot begin until the Lieutenant Governor, David Dewhurst, names four senators to the task force. The task force will be responsible for directing money to specific parks and projects.

State Representative, Chuck Hopson, says Dewhurst will appoint the positions Friday.

Hopson says parks in East Texas have been unable to have overnight visitors because of needed repairs.

"We had a lot of vehicles that weren't working, a lot of roofs that were leaking, a lot of toilets that weren't working," says Hopson.

Hopson also says the legislators have taken a step in the right direction.

"It's really good news...I hope that the parks will become a pride for us shortly, because people came from all over to Texas parks, because they were beautiful. I'd like for us to get back to that," says Hopson.