By KRWG News
New Mexico – New Mexico's state parks will remain open during the three remaining furlough days for state employees.
Gov. Bill Richardson announced the change Friday, saying he received dozens of requests from residents, municipalities and businesses to keep the parks open to avoid the impacts closures would have on local economies.
New Mexico State Parks and the State Personnel Office have worked out a plan that will enable the state to save money while keeping parks open. Employees who are needed to keep parks open on designated furlough days will be required to take alternate days off.
Richardson ordered five days of furloughs to save $8.1 million.
The first two were Dec. 24 and Jan. 15. The others are March 5, April 2 and May 28.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.