For Release: Friday, October 23, 2009
DEC Announces 2nd Meeting on Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda
Solicits Public Input Regarding Priority Goals and Needs
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced a public meeting to solicit input regarding a draft Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda designed to focus on the protection and restoration of the River, its watershed and its communities. The Action Agenda will help guide and coordinate basin-wide activities of numerous organizations to support these goals.
Designed to complement the successful Hudson River Estuary Program, the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda will aim to foster a regional partnership to manage the natural resources of the river and its watershed for a sustainable future. The Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda, which was prepared by DEC with the input of numerous stakeholders, can be accessed on the DEC website.
"The Mohawk River valley has been one of the primary east-west travel corridors, since the state was first settled," said DEC Regional Director Judy Drabicki. "The past two centuries of use had compromised the water quality of the river and many of its tributaries, but several efforts in the recent decades have made great inroads toward improving environmental quality. We need to protect the progress that's been made. Partners like the Oneida County Planning office and their Comprehensive Greenway Plan for the Mohawk River Corridor are vital to our collective success. We look forward to continuing the work with local leaders and organizations for the benefit of the Mohawk River and its surrounding communities."
A public meeting has been scheduled to present the Action Agenda on the draft document for Monday, November 2, from 3 - 5 p.m., at the Common Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, Rome City Hall, 198 N. Washington St., Rome.
DEC will accept written comments on the draft until Nov. 30, 2009. Interested parties can submit comments at the public meeting, or write to Paul M. Bray, DEC Commissioner's Policy Office, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233, or e-mail pmbray@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Once all the comments have been considered, DEC will issue the final version of the Action Agenda.
The draft Action Agenda identifies five priority goals for the Mohawk River Basin which, if fully realized, would enhance ecosystem health and the vitality of the region. In addition, a Steering Committee consisting of DEC staff and other stakeholder organizations will help oversee the implementation of the Action Agenda and revise the agenda over time. Meetings of the steering committee will be held biannually and will be open to the public.
For those without computer access, a printed copy of the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda is available for review at the DEC Utica Office, 207 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501. (Hours: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Call (315) 793-2554 to make an appointment.)
