No state budget, no state parks
The future of New York state parks remains in jeopardy. The state Parks Commissioner says that plans to close 55 state parks and historic sites is moving ahead. As our Sabina Kuriakose reports, the delay in passing a 2010-2011 budget has left them no choice.
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ALBANY, N.Y. -- "The temperature is going up, grass is growing, we have parks that we are not servicing," said State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash.
With still no state budget, New York State parks are left in limbo.
"The longer we don't do this, we will still lose money, even if we do save the parks," said Senator Jose Serrano.
Senator Serrano says the Senate and Assembly both have proposals that would restore more than $11 million to the parks department so the parks will likely open. The question is when.
And as summer season starts, park advocates worry they're losing ground and money.
"I think it's important we get the parks up to speed, get the campers in there so people can enjoy the park," Serrano said.
"Parks are a net contributor of $1.9 billion to the state," said Ash. "We are an economic driver."
Along with the loss of some major dollars in tourism, Ash says the state could also be looking at thousands of jobs lost if the parks don't open.
"Fifty-five parks, about 1,000 to 1,500 of them," Ash said.
The worry is that when the budget does pass, the parks will have lost too much time to get up to speed for the summer. With the budget now more than a week overdue, legislators can't say for certain when that will be.
"Anyone's guess," said Serrano. "I believe that we are in a lot of areas in agreement and in other areas, far apart."
For now, you can still visit the parks, but basics, like bathrooms, will be closed, and general upkeep ignored.