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Uncertainty surrounds re-opening of state parks

By WBFO News

Albany, NY – With the Memorial Day weekend approaching, there's uncertainty whether all of the state's 213 parks and historic sites will be open for the holiday.

Governor David Paterson's proposal to keep 55 of the properties funded and open starting this weekend has hit resistance from lawmakers. State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Silver says the Paterson bill would raid the Environmental Protection Fund of more than $100 million, not just the $6 million needed to re-open the parks.

Silver says the parks should be re-opened. But he says Paterson's broader plan is "inappropriate."

Lawmakers could wind up passing a mandate to open all parks, but Paterson could veto that as he seeks to cut spending in a fiscal crisis.