Two state parks got new life Wednesday when the Arizona State Parks Board approved partnerships with local officials, but the board’s chairman said such efforts will be in vain if the Legislature keeps slashing the agency’s budget.

Arizona State Parks is bristling at a late amendment to a bill that would force the agency to lease its most popular park to Lake Havasu City, a move that would be a significant hit to the agency's already battered budget.

With Arizona State Parks facing an uncertain future due to budget cuts, Lake Havasu City is proposing taking over operations of a popular facility there.

LAKE HAVASU CITY - The Lake Havasu City manager has asked the Arizona State Parks Board to let the city take operational control of Lake Havasu State Park if state budget cuts force state parks to close. City Manager Charlie Cassens sent the request in a letter to the parks board, the governor's office, the governor's task force and others, informing state officials the city wants to keep the park open.

LAKE HAVASU CITY - Lake Havasu City owes fired City Manager Richard Kaffenberger more than $200,000 in retirement, vacation, "termination" and other pay. City Human Resources representative Shirlee Palbicki says the amount will be paid immediately.