Like many organizations in both the public and private sectors, the New Echota state historic site in Calhoun and the Chief Vann House in Murray County have faced many budget cuts.

Earlier this year New Echota was forced, due to budget cuts, to eliminate two staff position and reduce hours of operation to just three days a week. State wide, Georgia’s parks had a 39 percent reduction in funding.

In an effort to return these sites to their full hours of operation, the Cherokee Nation has sent a $40,000 funding proposal to the state. The funding does come with several stipulations such as offering all terminated and transferred employees that were employed prior to the budget reductions their positions back at these facilities at the same level of pay and benefits that they had before their termination or transfer.

The agreement also asks that no more budget cuts be made during the 2010 fiscal year.

“We are grateful for the offer the Cherokee Nation has made, and we look forward to additional communications with them,” said Director of Georgia State Parks and Recreation and Historic Sites Division, Becky Kelley. “I am hopeful that we can come together soon and see where we might end up.”

While Kelley remains hopeful, she said she also sees that the current budget situation is not a short-term problem, and that there are many things that the state and the Cherokee Nation would need to “talk through.”

“We can’t guarantee a budget,” she said. “And many of the positions were eliminated, so even if those staff members were rehired, there are no positions for them to return to.”

While the funds for New Echota and the Chief Vann House would be of great use, according to Kelley, they would not cover the needed operating costs. Kelley said the two sites would need well over $100,000.

Melanie Knight, Cherokee Nation Secretary of State said that the Cherokee Nation has inquired to see if the Eastern Band of Cherokees would match the contribution.

“I am encouraged by [the Cherokee Nation’s] enthusiasm. I am also encouraged by the amount of support these sites have received from the community,” said Kelly.

Kelley also said that she is convinced that the state will recover from the current economic situation and that the two sites will be restored to full operating hours.

“I know that the Cherokee Nation is very concerned about open access to these sites, and I am too,” Kelly said.