TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Two Kansas agencies are teaming up to make it easier to buy annual permits for visits to state parks.

The joint initiative of the Revenue Department and the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism will let residents buy annual park permits when they register vehicles in 2013. Previously, buying the permit and registering a vehicle were two separate transactions.

The parks department also says a Kansas State Parks Passport will cost about $15 when bought during the vehicle registration process. The regular price is $25.

The parks agency sought the new arrangement in the 2012 legislative session as a way to attract more park visitors. Funding for state parks has dwindled in recent years, resulting in challenges for operations and maintenance.