Environment DEC
From the July 2005 issue
Governor Announces $720,000 for Preservation, Recreation and Waterfront Revitalization in Southern Tier
Governor George E. Pataki announced $720,000 in Environmental Protection Fund grants for eight preservation, recreation and waterfront revitalization projects in Broome, Chemung, Cortland, Tioga and Tompkins counties. A highlight of the grants is a $150,000 award to the John W. Jones Museum in Elmira for restoration work and establishment of the historic house as an Underground Railroad museum.
"Funding through the Environmental Protection Fund continues our efforts as we work with localities to ensure the preservation of open space, historic landmarks and waterfront areas for the benefit of future generations," Governor Pataki said. "These grants will help communities like Elmira move forward with projects that showcase the unique heritage of the region, draw visitors, and provide residents increased access to our cultural and natural treasures."
Jones House and Seven Other Projects Funded
Improvements and restoration
work to the John W. Jones house
will honor the life of the
19th century humanitarian
John Jones was a 19th-century humanitarian who escaped slavery in 1844, made Elmira his home, and is revered for his efforts in freeing more than 800 slaves. The grant for the John W. Jones House is for improvements and restoration as an interactive museum to commemorate the life and work of the former slave who, as an Underground Railroad station master, safely assisted the flight of hundreds of slaves to Canada. The project will replace the roof, repair masonry in the foundation and basement, reinforce ceiling and wall framing, restore windows and doors, install a barrier-free ramp and construct a parking lot and pathways for visitors.
Seven other projects receiving funding include waterfront improvements along the Susquehanna and Delaware rivers and Cayuga Lake, and restoration work and enhancements to a museum, a library and other historic landmarks in the area.
The Department of State's Division of Coastal Resources administers EPF matching grants to local governments for the preparation and implementation of local waterfront revitalization programs (LWRPs) and inter-municipal, water-body management plans, development of coastal educational programs, creation of blueway trails and urban waterfront redevelopment.
Decade of Commitment to Environment
Since 1995, Governor Pataki has invested more than $13 billion to protect and preserve New York's environment. This historic commitment includes a record $150 million appropriation for the EPF in this year's state budget-a 20-percent increase over last year and a six-fold increase in the last decade. Annual funding for environmental programs now totals more than $1.4 billion.
In the last decade, the Governor has committed more than $62 million in EPF support, through 576 open space, recreation and historic preservation grants, to communities across New York State. The grants are administered by the Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Also, more than $58 million has been awarded through 621 LWRP grants for waterfront projects during the last decade.
