Environment DEC
From the September 2005 issue
Grants for Capital District Announced
Governor George E. Pataki and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno announced more than $900,000 in Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants for four waterfront revitalization and historic preservation projects in Rensselaer County, including $400,000 for planning and construction at the Rensselaer Iron Works (Scolite) site and $113,000 for restoration of the Burden Iron Works Museum in South Troy. Governor Pataki also announced an additional $587,500 in EPF grants to support seven recreation, waterfront and preservation projects in Albany and Schenectady counties.
"The state's Environmental Protection Fund supports quality recreation and environmental stewardship in local communities throughout New York, providing the means to help protect and strengthen our unique outdoor resources and cultural treasures," Governor Pataki said. "Together, these eleven grants are investments in the Capital District that will increase public access to local waterways, parklands and museums for residents and visitors to the area. Whether supporting revitalization efforts along the Hudson River in South Troy, preserving local heritage, or building community pools, these projects will create new opportunities for New Yorkers and their families to enjoy quality recreation and experience the history and scenic beauty of the region."
Rensselaer County Projects
The future Upper Hudson River
Satellite Center will be complete
with trails, docks and
boating and fishing access
The City of Troy will receive a $400,000 grant from the EPF Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), administered through the Department of State, to support planning and construction activities for the five-acre, municipally owned Rensselaer Iron Works site, also known as the Scolite site, along the South Troy Hudson River waterfront. The site is slated to become the home of the Upper Hudson River Satellite Center.
Work will include preparation of research, outreach and strategic marketing plans; building and shoreline stabilization, and construction of trail linkages, boat and fishing access, and docking facilities for the Center. A separate $113,000 grant to the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway, administered through the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will support exterior restoration and rehabilitation work at the Burden Iron Works Museum. Other grants in Rensselaer County include restoration projects at Oakwood Cemetery and the historic YWCA building in Troy.
Projects in Albany and Schenectady Counties
Increased utilization of the
Henry Hudson Park is a goal
of the plan
Projects being funded in Albany and Schenectady counties include waterfront improvements along the Hudson River in the Town of Bethlehem, restoration of the underground railroad in Cohoes, and enhancement of community and public recreation facilities in Duanesburg and Rotterdam.
Grant Administration
Eight of the grants are administered through the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The other three projects are administered through the Department of State's Division of Coastal Resources. The grants are awarded on a 50-50 matching basis to local governments for the preparation and implementation of local waterfront revitalization programs (LWRP) and inter-municipal water body management plans, development of coastal educational programs, creation of blueway trails and redevelopment of urban waterfronts.
