Environment DEC
From the July 2004 issue
Governor and Congressional Representatives Announce "Hudson River Caucus"
Governor George E. Pataki and several congressional representatives announced the formation of the Hudson River Congressional Caucus, a bipartisan delegation dedicated to preserving the river's cultural, historical, environmental and economic resources.
The announcement was made at Riverfront Park in Beacon, near the future site of the Rivers and Estuaries Center on the Hudson, proposed by the Governor in his 2000 State of the State Address. When completed, the center will be a world-class facility dedicated to the study of rivers and estuaries.
The Hudson River Congressional Caucus will be chaired by Congressman John Sweeney and Congresswoman Nita Lowey. Other members include representatives Sue Kelly, Sherwood Boehlert, Eliot Engle, Maurice Hinchey, John McHugh, Michael McNulty, Jerrold Nadler, Charles Rangel and Jose Serrano.
Objectives
Nineteenth-century writer
Nathaniel Parker Willis
described the Hudson River
as "a spot of the earth with soul"
The primary objectives of the Hudson River Congressional Caucus are to do the following:
- Establish the Rivers and Estuaries Center in conjunction with local universities and state and federal agencies to advance the understanding of rivers, estuaries and their watersheds through research and education
- Support the American Heritage Rivers Initiative for the Hudson, which is designed to help Hudson River communities and the state to implement federal programs and to attract federal funds
- Ensure that the Hudson River's various historical designations will maximize funding for related tourist destinations and economic development in the region
- Enhance public access by redeveloping former industrial sites, preserving green spaces, and developing bike and pedestrian paths along the river
In addition, the caucus will work on federal funding initiatives, legislation and raising awareness of their three agenda items in Washington. Restoring the health of the Hudson River has been one of Governor Pataki's top environmental priorities.
