State Parks Department Has $54 Million Surplus, Director Resigns

The California Natural Resources Agency reported that the State Parks department underreported $54 million in donations over the past 12 years.  The Los Angeles Times reports that Ruth Coleman, who led the parks department has resigned and that the number two in the department has been fired.

Benicia City Manager Brad Kilger isn’t sure how the newly found cash might affect Benicia’s two state parks. 

“At this point we don’t know how it will affect the proposed pending closure of the State Recreation Area,” said Kilger.  “We’re hoping that the identification of the additional funds will give us the opportunity to work with the state to find a long term solution to keeping the parks open.

The department had planned to close 70 parks due to budget problems.   The LA Times also reported that Coleman was “appalled” to learn that the money had not been reported by her department.

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