By Ryan Morden
Oswego, NY – Utica area state Sen. Joe Griffo said one idea to save money for parks is to sell off some of the state-run golf courses.
State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash said the parks are in limbo until the legislature restores funding in their overdue budget.
In the meantime, the state is unable to hire seasonal workers and the restrooms remain closed.
Sen. Griffo is a Republican from the Utica area. In a recent committee hearing, he suggested selling state-owned golf courses to save money.
"I know in Oneida County alone, we had a golf course that was state owned that sold in the town of Marcy for $1.5 million, 18 years ago. Have we looked at the possibility of sale of some of the many golf courses we own?" said Griffo.
Commissioner Ash said that while the parks department does not have the authority to sell the land itself, it can contract out services like restaurants and pro shops.