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Environment DEC


From the January 2008 issue

Hudson Estuary Grants Announced in Preparation for Quadricentennial

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced more than $1.7 million in Hudson River Estuary grants for 41 projects in the watershed and the appointment of two people to lead the Hudson-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission activities as the state begins building up to the 2009 commemoration.

Kayakers
The Hudson River has a long history as a vital source of commerce and recreation

"These grants will help protect natural areas, support river education and provide access for boating, fishing and hiking. We are creating new opportunities to connect New Yorkers to the natural wonders of the Hudson in time for the Quadricentennial," said Grannis. During his tenure as a state legislator, Commissioner Grannis sponsored legislation to commemorate the Quadricentennial, which marks 400 years since Henry Hudson led a historical voyage of discovery, sailing up the river now named for him, and Samuel de Champlain's expedition to his namesake lake.

person sitting by river
A number of projects to improve public access and protect natural areas are planned - photo courtesy of Al Mapes

These grants are for the first of dozens of projects expected to be announced during the next two years as part of the Legacy Projects portion of the Quadricentennial. Along with the grants, the state issued an updated Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda, with new objectives and strategies to address environmental conditions on the river.

Commission Leaders Selected

Two leaders have been appointed to the Quadricentennial Commission, created by Commissioner Grannis. Robert E. Bullock, from Saratoga County, has been named commission director. Bullock, a career executive in the fields of development, marketing, public relations and government advocacy, also serves as president of the NYS Archives Partnership Trust (the support arm of NYS Archives) and as public affairs officer for the New York Air National Guard.

Tara Sullivan, from Dutchess County, has been named executive director of the commission. Sullivan, who has a long career in community relations and public policy, previously served as Governor Eliot Spitzer's Hudson Valley regional representative and as director of community relations and internal affairs at Bard College.

The Quadricentennial Commission is responsible for planning the commemoration of landmark passages in New York State's history--the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's exploration of the Hudson River aboard the Dutch ship, Half Moon; Samuel de Champlain's expedition to Lake Champlain, also 400 years ago, and Robert Fulton's maiden steamship journey up the Hudson in 1807--all to be celebrated in 2009.

"Mini" Grants for Schools and Communities

Commissioner Grannis also announced the "Quadricentennial Mini Grants for Communities" program. Two hundred $1,000 grants will be awarded to schools and communities in both the Hudson Valley and the Champlain Valley to prepare for the commemoration. The grants can be used for projects, events and programs that embody the theme, "Explore 400 years of Progress in the Environment, Energy, Innovation and Education." Visit the Hudson River Estuary Grants Program web page on DEC's site for more information about these grants and how to apply for them.