Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012

ATLANTA (AP) -- State natural resources officials have approved a proposal to put two of Georgia's most popular state parks under the operation of a private contractor.

Morris News Service reports the state Board of Natural Resources on Wednesday approved plans for Coral Hospitality to take control of Unicoi State Park near Helen and Amicalola Falls State Park near Dawsonville.

The move is part of the board's strategy to make state parks generate enough money to cover their own costs. Officials hope maximizing the potential of the two popular parks might help subsidize some of the state's 64 parks and historic sites.

Coral Hospitality is based in Naples, Fla. It manages upscale resorts, hotels and country clubs in Florida. It has managed the board's Brasstown Valley and Lake Blackshear resorts since 2005.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)