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Paterson bill to keep all parks open

By By MICHAEL GORMLEY, Associated Press Writer

Story Created: May 24, 2010 at 9:49 AM EDT

Story Updated: May 24, 2010 at 9:49 AM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Senior officials in the Paterson
administration say Governor David Paterson will introduce a bill Monday
that would keep all New York parks and historic sites open for the year including the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

But the officials say the Legislature will have to agree to take $6 million from the Environmental Protection Fund to pay for it.

The staffers say lawmakers in stalled budget talks as recently as Saturday insisted that a top priority is to keep the parks and historic sites open. Paterson sees the move as a way to address a chief concern he shares, but only with the corresponding cut he has insisted upon.

The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity Sunday because the bill wasn't yet final and wouldn't be introduced until Monday.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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