Yeah they are something the Big hack Government can use as sledge hammer during budget negotiations.
OR have you forgotten when they closed them all down and we the American Citizen could not even visit them.
They used them as blackmail on US to get what they want.
Have you frequented Texas State Parks since your bring up Austin? Jewels in the rough. We frequent them in our travels and the prices are great. I would have no problem if Texas managed all FERAL land in Texas.
Actually, this might just astonish you, but I am frequent user of the largest of the Texas State parks. But, at the same time, I am quite well aware of what the legislature does in Austin, as well as the legal courts in Austin, and frequently it is just as disappointing as anywhere else. Turns out people are people with all their faults wherever you go.