HARRISBURG — State Rep. Brian Ellis’ effort to pass a law allowing development at Moraine and other state parks was defeated Tuesday.

Despite the lopsided vote — 77 for, 123 against — five of the seven legislators from Butler County voted in favor of HB 2013, which was introduced by Ellis, R-11th.

The bill would have provided for a pilot program to allow private recreational and lodging developments in state parks.

The bill called for opening the state’s 121 parks to hotels, inns, restaurants, amusement parks, water slides and other outdoor sports facilities.

Besides Ellis, those among county legislators approving the proposal were Tedd Nesbit, R-8th; Jaret Gibbons, D-10th; Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th; and Jeffrey Pyle, R-60th.

The two no votes came from Jim Marshall, R-14th; and R. Lee James, R-64th.

Ellis said he had wanted Moraine State Park to be part of the pilot project.

“Whether it be a full resort and conference center, or even just a private sector company wanting to expand the marina or take over food operations ... any enhancement would be a tremendous win,” Ellis said before the vote.

Opponents of Ellis’ proposal say the bill would have dramatically altered the mission of state parks and flies in the face of a 2014 study that shows Pennsylvania residents favor repairing and maintaining existing infrastructure over new construction.

“We have 38 million visitors in our state parks annually. I wouldn’t say that reflects a downturn in visitor ship,” said Marci Mowery, the president of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation. “It’s a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist,”

Mowery said the foundation, which represents 39 “friends of” volunteer groups across the state, supports expanding in-park facilities such as cabins and utility hookups for trailers. The foundation also wants the state to focus on upgrading existing park facilities to make them more accessible for an aging population.