Statement on NYS Parks Closures

ALBANY, NY (02/19/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor Paterson doesn't care about the environment and today's action is just part of his ongoing attack on New York's air, land and water.

On top of deep cuts to New York's Environmental Protection Fund and Department of Environmental Conservation, the Governor wants to slash the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation's budget by 20 percent. The office will also lose 67 staff in addition to the 200 permanent and 500 temporary parks staffers lost over the last couple of years.

With his action today, the Governor shut down or cut back on more than one-third of New York's parks and almost half of our historic sites. These parks and sites are visited by 55 million people and generate $2 billion in economic activity every year. The parks support 20,000 jobs. The State estimates it will save $6 million for cutting parks funding. Governor Paterson's math doesn't add up.

Even during the most challenging times, New York State kept our parks open because hardworking New Yorkers deserve an affordable place to take their families. Anyone who cares about New York's environment is now looking to the State Legislature to right the Governor's wrongs during budget negotiations.