Environment DEC
From the May 2005 issue
Governor Renews Commitment to Restore Hudson River
In anticipation of Earth Day in New York State, Governor George E. Pataki announced more than $1.3 million in Hudson River Estuary grants for 46 local community projects to strengthen and preserve the diverse natural resources of the Hudson River Estuary and its tributaries and watersheds. The Governor also announced the release of the Draft Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda 2005-2009. The draft builds on the state's successful efforts to protect and conserve the natural resources of the Hudson River and outlines initiatives that will continue the progress made in restoring the historic waterway.
"Growing up along the banks of the Hudson River, I developed a deep appreciation for its natural beauty and rich heritage as one of our nation's most significant waterways. Most important, I understood its vast potential as an economic, cultural and recreational resource that could help reconnect and reinvigorate communities throughout the Hudson Valley," Governor Pataki said.
"Nearly 10 years ago, we made a commitment to clean up and protect the river, increase access for residents, and return the Hudson to the majestic waterway it once was. We have made unprecedented progress in reclaiming and revitalizing the river and its communities, and today, it is cleaner, healthier and more accessible than it has been in decades. We know that there is more to do, and our estuary grants and the draft action agenda will serve as essential tools as we move forward and continue to build upon our past successes," the Governor added.
The draft agenda and estuary grants were announced at the "State of the Hudson Summit" held in New Paltz. The purpose of the summit is to begin a watershed-wide discussion between organizations on a common vision for the river. The summit was launched by the Rivers and Estuaries Center and the Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Hudson River Estuary Program to help facilitate more effective collaboration among the organizations and agencies that will be active in ensuring that the Hudson River and its ecosystems continue to improve in the future.
Hudson River Estuary Grants
Hudson River Estuary grants support
the revitalization and protection
of the Hudson River
Hudson River Estuary grants fund community projects that achieve the goals set forth by Governor Pataki in the 2001 Hudson River Estuary Action Plan and will assist communities in reaching the long-range targets outlined in the action agenda. The Hudson River Estuary grants are the sixth in a series of grants awarded to municipalities and not-for-profit organizations located within the geographic boundaries of the Hudson River Estuary, including the Bronx, New York, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia, Greene, Albany and Rensselaer counties and parts of Kings and Richmond counties.
The grants announced contribute to the revitalization and protection of the Hudson River and are provided in five eligible categories, including: 16 grants totaling $275,017 for interpretation and education projects; 9 grants totaling $178,255 for community habitat conservation and stewardship; 4 grants totaling $175,250 for open-space planning, inventory and acquisition; 7 grants totaling $180,000 for watershed planning and implementation, and 10 grants totaling $551,550 for river access, including boating, fishing, and swimming.
Draft Action Agenda and DEC
Promoting public enjoyment
of the Hudson River is one of
the Hudson River Estuary
Program's goals
The draft action agenda proposes a vision for the future and identifies immediate steps to be taken for the continued revitalization of the Hudson River. The focus of the program is to conserve the outstanding natural resources of the river and the valley, clean up pollution and promote public enjoyment of the river and its shores.
The Hudson River Estuary Program is funded by annual appropriations from the state Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, federal funds and other sources. Under the Governor's leadership, New York State has targeted approximately $368 million for implementation of priorities in the Hudson River Estuary Action Plan. The Hudson River Estuary grants are funded through the EPF. A complete list of grant recipients can be found by using the link mentioned in the previous paragraph.
Implementation of the plan is the responsibility of DEC, which works with various agencies and stakeholder groups, all of which are striving to improve the river. DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program has dedicated nearly 10 years to intensive research, adaptive approaches to management, public outreach and the development of partnerships with both state and federal agencies, local governments, and other involved groups and organizations, all to improve the Hudson River Estuary and its surrounding watershed lands.
DEC Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "Since Governor Pataki released the first Hudson River Estuary Plan in 1996, eagles have returned to breed along the Hudson's shores, the striped bass population is healthier and more abundant than it has ever been, and communities along the Hudson have rediscovered the beauty and magic of life along its shores. In 2009, New York State will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage of discovery, and we will use this occasion to renew our commitment to restoring the river."
