Paterson: Deal in place to keep parks open

Governor David Paterson says an agreement is in place to keep all state parks open for the Memorial Day weekend.

This from the Associated Press:

"The Paterson administration has listed 41 parks and 14 of the state's 35 historic sites for closing, along with service cuts at others, to help close the state's budget gap.

"Speaking on WOR radio 710's 'The John Gambling Show,' Paterson said negotiations that ended early Thursday morning would provide $11 million for full operations this year, offset by money from the Environmental Protection Fund, which would be cut by about $74 million.

"Lawmakers, who wanted smaller EPF cuts and balked at Paterson's proposal earlier in the week, are expected to vote on the plan later in the day."