For Release: Friday, November 3, 2006
DEC to Rehabilitate Freeman's Bridge Boat Launch
Project Enhances Access to the Mohawk River
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced $300,000 in funding to upgrade DEC's Freeman's Bridge Boat Launch on the Mohawk River in the Town of Glenville, Schenectady County. This project is funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and will allow various upgrades and enhancements to the Boat Launch. Construction is set to begin in spring 2007.
"The Freeman's Bridge Boat Launch is one of the most popular boat launches in the Capital District, receiving heavy use by anglers and other recreational boaters," Commissioner Sheehan said. "This site has been a priority for rehabilitation for a number of years and we are pleased that the stewardship funding from the EPF fund has enabled DEC to make these necessary repairs and enhancements to the boat launch for boaters and anglers to enjoy."
Improvements for this site include: a new concrete ramp and associated floating boarding docks, a newly paved parking area for 16 cars and trailers, and an additional gravel parking area for car top boat, kayak and canoe users. These improvements will meet all current standards for boat launches under the Americans with Disabilities Act and create an improved traffic pattern for boaters to easily launch their boats and increase access to the boat launch.
"The Mohawk River, in the heart of my Senate District, provides tremendous recreational opportunities," said State Senator Hugh T. Farley. "This upgrade to the Freeman's Bridge Boat Launch will make it easier for more people to access the River. I'm thrilled that DEC, under the outstanding leadership of Commissioner Denise Sheehan, is continuing to encourage people to enjoy the Mohawk."
"Projects like these help strengthen the great quality of life we enjoy here," said Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco (R, C, I-Schenectady, Saratoga). "Improving access for families to enjoy the historic Mohawk River is a wonderful project and I am proud to be part of it."
New landscaping, drainage improvements, a new kiosk and benches are also part of the upgrades planned for the site. The Town of Glenville Planning Board and Parks and Recreation Department were involved in DEC's design. DEC incorporated the Town's suggestions into the design where possible when these suggestions were consistent with the primary use of the site as a boat launching location.
"The improvements that DEC is providing to the Freeman's Bridge Boat Launch bring many positive contributions to our area's development and economic growth," said Mark Storti, Region 4 member of the Conservation Fund Advisory Board. "These enhancements at the Boat Launch will bring support to local businesses near the site and bring new advancements for all sportsmen and sportswomen to come and enjoy."
Depending upon spring construction conditions, the site should be ready for use by early June. The Department is currently in the process of soliciting bids from contractors interested in completing the project, with the bid opening scheduled for November 8, 2006.
The Freeman's Bridge Boat Launch project is one of a number of boat launch projects that have been completed on the Mohawk River over the past few years. Last spring, much needed ramp and boarding dock upgrades were completed at the Nelliston and Amsterdam boat launches. Since 1995, the DEC has helped support 19 major boat launch rehabilitation projects totaling over $7 million.
