February 14, 2004

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES $300,000 GRANT FOR RIVERS AND ESTUARIES CENTER

Hudson Valley to Receive $1.45 Million in EPF Grants for 10 Waterfront Projects

Governor George E. Pataki today announced $1.45 million in Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) - Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) grants for 10 projects in the Hudson Valley, including a $300,000 grant to the City of Beacon, Dutchess County, to prepare a harbor management plan and a study of locations and docking designs for the Rivers and Estuaries Center on the Hudson.

The Governor made the announcement at the grand opening of a new, temporary headquarters for the planned Rivers and Estuaries Center on the Hudson River. The headquarters, located on Main Street in the City of Beacon, will serve as the project office for the Center while permanent facilities are designed and constructed at Dennings Point and the Beacon Waterfront.

"Our State's waterfront areas have historically been the centerpieces of local communities, and the Rivers and Estuaries Center on the Hudson will build upon the rich history of the Hudson River and help to define the future of the Hudson Valley," Governor Pataki said. "We have been working closely with the City of Beacon and other partners to create a world-class research and educational center that will help us protect the Hudson River and rivers around the world, and today we take another step toward achieving this historic goal."

"Communities across the Empire State are recognizing the value and potential of their waterfront areas, and we are pleased to help them with projects that will improve their quality of life," Governor Pataki said. "These EPF grants will help cities, towns and villages throughout the Hudson Valley redevelop and revitalize their waterfronts, expand public access, while also boosting tourism and economic development opportunities."

Senator Stephen Saland said, "Governor Pataki has once again demonstrated his support of economic development along the Hudson. Today's announcement of grants for Beacon, the Town of Poughkeepsie and the Town of Rhinebeck pave the way for even further waterfront development. The opening of these headquarters, of what will be a world-class scientific and research center, is a positive addition to our quality of life."

Assemblyman Thomas Kirwan said, "I commend Governor Pataki for choosing the City of Beacon to be the setting for the new Rivers and Estuaries Center. He continues to recognize the importance of conservation and revitalization, especially along the Hudson River. The Hudson River Valley is not only vital to the residents that live along its shores, but to all of New York State's citizens who may travel to this area for both business and pleasure."

City of Beacon Mayor Clara Lou Gould said, "This is another exciting and innovative step in waterfront revitalization and economic development for New York State and the Hudson Valley, as well as a wonderful learning opportunity for residents and visitors. The City of Beacon is delighted and very privileged to be part of it. We thank Governor Pataki for his vision in creating this opportunity."

John Cronin, Managing Director of the Rivers and Estuaries Center, said, "With the opening of this office, we are making the Rivers and Estuaries Center a reality for the City of Beacon, the Hudson River and the rivers and estuaries of the world."

Governor Pataki proposed the development of a Rivers and Estuaries Center on the Hudson in his 2000 State of the State Address, and on April 22, 2003 (Earth Day), he announced the selection of the City of Beacon as the future home of this world-class scientific and research facility. The Center, which will be located on state-owned property at Denning's Point, will be dedicated to advancing the understanding of rivers, estuaries and watersheds that will help guide policies for conservation and management of these natural systems. In addition, the Rivers and Estuaries Center will feature unique educational programs, including seminars, lectures and forums for teachers, students, citizen scientists and the general public.

Funding for the development and operation of the Center will come from a variety of sources, including individual and corporate donations, research and not-for-profit organizations, and governmental assistance. More than $30 million has been committed to the Center, including $10 million from the New York Power Authority, $5 million from the Dyson Foundation and $750,000 from Dutchess County.

In addition to assisting with the preparation of a Beacon Harbor Management plan and a study of potential locations and docking designs for Rivers and Estuaries Center vessels, the City of Beacon will use part of its EPF grant to design improvements to an 1860s historic waterfront barn that will house a community boat building.

Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels, who oversees the Department of State's (DOS) Division of Coastal Resources, said, "Governor Pataki has created strong partnerships between the State and local communities to advance waterfront revitalization projects that will have long-term economic, environmental and cultural benefits. The Rivers and Estuaries Center on the Hudson highlights a number of ongoing waterfront projects that are giving new life to this historic river and communities throughout the Hudson Valley."

In addition to the City of Beacon, municipalities receiving EPF funding include:

Dutchess County:

Town of Poughkeepsie - $100,000: The town, coordinating with the City of Poughkeepsie and Marist College, will design and construct a fixed fishing and mooring pier at Longview Park on the Hudson River, on land jointly owned by the town and city. The 39-ft. pier, which will have a 32 ft. T crossing, will provide public access for fishing and offer mooring for non motorized boats, research and education boats, and touring boats.

Town of Rhinebeck - $3,000: The town will update and complete its draft Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) to complement a new Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Law. The LWRP will be used to guide protection of designated historic and scenic districts and the development of a greenway trail system to enhance public access to the Hudson River.

Greene County

Village of Athens - $200,000: The village will rehabilitate its Waterfront Park, two adjacent properties, and the streetscape along the central waterfront district. The project will include construction of a waterfront promenade, installation of 500 linear feet of steel sheet pile bulkhead, and dredging of 1,500 cubic yards of sediment from the former ferry slip.

Rockland County

Village of Haverstraw - $325,000 (2 projects): The village will begin construction of Phase I of Esplanade Park, including shoreline stabilization with riprap and a walkway along 956 linear feet of shoreline, complementing work to develop an adjacent residential community as part of a comprehensive urban renewal and waterfront redevelopment strategy. The land for Esplanade Park will be purchased by the site developer and donated to the village ($300,000); and

The village will complete plans for the restoration of 300 liner feet of eroding shoreline at the southern end of Emeline Park on the Hudson River. The project will consist of engineering and environmental studies, development of plans, cost estimates and bid documents for the reconstruction of bulkheads and repair of riprap areas ($25,000).

Ulster County

City of Kingston - $300,000: The city will complete streetscape and site improvements in the East Strand area along the Rondout Creek, implementing recommendations of the city's Waterfront Redevelopment Implementation Plan. Work will include paving a parking area for 80 vehicles, facade improvements for the Trolley Museum, relocation of a roadway median, and improvements to the city wastewater treatment plant.

Westchester County

Village of Dobbs Ferry - $37,000: Under village sponsorship, the Historic River Towns of Westchester will develop a regional approach to waterfront revitalization for the county's 13 Hudson River communities. The project will include hiring a waterfront coordinator, convening an advisory committee, evaluating waterfront planning in the region, and formulating a findings report and action plan for improvements.

Village of Hastings on Hudson - $150,000: The village will complete designs for public access improvements to be located on 43 acres of derelict industrial land on the Hudson River. The project will involve significant community input and coordination with ongoing remediation plans. Potential public improvements include a waterfront park, esplanade and trail.

In addition, a $30,000 grant is being provided to the City of Kingston to sponsor two boat tours by the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance of the Hudson River from New York City to Troy (Rensselaer County) on the Fireboat John J. Harvey. Each free public tour spends 10 days on the river, with stops coordinated with local waterfront events and venues. The project will document opportunities for waterfront infrastructure revitalization and include publication of a Blue Links for New York: Evaluation of Hudson River Waterfront Infrastructure guidebook.

The grants are being provided through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). The Department of State's Division of Coastal Resources administers EPF matching grants to local governments for the preparation and implementation of LWRPs and inter municipal water body management plans, development of coastal education programs, creation of blueway trails and urban waterfront redevelopment. Since 1995, more than $58 million has been awarded through 621 LWRP grants for waterfront projects.

Go to the Governor's Press Release Page