The operation would be managed by the park's concessionaire, which is the case at other state parks with floating operations, Deidrick said. It was unclear Sunday what company would get that contract. State parks did announce in January that Virginia-based Guest Services Management would operate concessions at the park.

The actual permit holder would be the state, though, Deidrick said.

The possible venture has reached the Missouri House floor, where state Rep. Robert Ross, R-Yukon, has criticized it at least twice.

“I think it’s absolutely offensive that our tax dollars would be even considered for use toward purchasing a private business which is going to directly compete with other private businesses that are already in existence in this area,” Ross said in an interview.

Rumors have been swirling in the area that the state could buy up one of the dozen canoe rental companies that operate in the national park.

“I’ve been hearing rumors about it,” said Shane Van Steenis, the owner of Harvey’s Alley Spring Canoe Rental. “I haven’t heard anything concrete yet, but that’s the word going around.”

And the idea doesn’t sit well.