June 6, 2008
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES NEARLY $25 MILLION IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUND GRANTS FOR WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION ACROSS NEW YORK STATE
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the award of $24.9 million in grants from the State Environmental Protection Fund’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) for 97 projects across New York State. These awards cover a variety of planning, design and construction projects that focus on economic, community, environmental and recreational improvements, reinforcing Governor Paterson’s commitment to revitalizing communities and enhancing the environment.
“Across New York State, communities have recognized that their waterfronts can be the foundation for economic revitalization and improving quality of life,” said Governor Paterson. “These funds will allow communities to connect New York residents to the waterfront, particularly in distressed urban neighborhoods where waterfront access is in short supply. I look forward to more New York communities having the opportunity to celebrate the many environmental, cultural and economic benefits that waterfronts provide.”
Judith Enck, Deputy Secretary for the Environment said: “Clean water and vibrant waterfront communities are an exciting and essential goal of these waterfront projects. As we prepare the 2009 celebration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the Hudson River, Governor Paterson is pleased to work with local governments and community groups across the state which bring people and economic development to our treasured waterfronts.”
Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez said: “New York’s waterfronts are among its greatest assets. Ninety percent of the state's population and a wide variety of economic activities are concentrated in the communities along its waterfronts – from the largest cities to the smallest hamlets. These grants will help rejuvenate New York’s waterfront communities, bringing new life, business and activity. Today’s grant announcements build on the Governor’s growing record of positive change for community revitalization and the environment.”
Grants were given to projects in every region of the State. On Long Island and the Westchester County shoreline of Long Island Sound there are 13 awards totaling $2,329,598. These awards advance community revitalization and environmental and recreational improvements.
New York City received 10 awards totaling $8,375,952 aimed at improving urban neighborhoods by connecting them to the City’s last great open space – its waterfront. The New York City Economic Development Corporation received a $3,183,390 grant to work with the Randall's Island Sports Foundation to complete the Randall's Island Park-Bronx Shore Pathway, and $3,005,000 to reconfigure Food Center Drive on Hunts Point to provide a landscaped bike lane as part of the South Bronx Greenway.
In the Hudson Valley there are 10 awards totaling $4,437,450 to improve waterfront public access. The Village of Tarrytown received a $2,370,000 grant for promenade construction, installation of a kayak launch and refurbishment of the fishing pier at Pierson Park. An award of $642,500 will enable the City of Rensselaer to advance designs for an 11,000 linear foot public access trail along the Hudson River. These two projects are part of the dozens of Legacy Projects expected to be announced over the next two years as part of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission’s activities.
Additionally, there are 64 awards totaling $9,841,452 for projects across Upstate New York. These awards reinforce Governor Paterson’s commitment to revitalizing Upstate communities by focusing on economic, community, environmental and recreational improvements.
Two of the projects include a $323,550 award to the City of Buffalo to revitalize five miles of pedestrian and biking trails along the Niagara River Riverwalk, and in the Adirondack Park the Town of Johnsburg will advance the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor Plan through a $505,000 award.
The Department of State’s Division of Coastal Resources administers Environmental Protection Fund grants available to local governments for planning, design and construction projects that advance preparation or implementation of LWRPs, community revitalization strategies, watershed management plans, coastal education programs, blueway trails, and urban waterfront redevelopment. All grants are awarded on a 50-50 matching basis.
With these awards, 972 LWRP grants have been awarded through the Department of State since 1994, totaling more than $122 million. This year's request for applications issued by the Department of State drew 155 responses.
A complete list of the 2007-2008 grant awards may be found on the Department of State’s website at www.dos.state.ny.us. The Department of State is currently soliciting applications for the 2008 round of the Environmental Protection Fund’s LWRP. Details are available at www.nyswaterfronts.com. The application deadline is June 30, 2008.
