Governor Pataki’s State of the State address on Wednesday, January 5, will propose the creation of a new, first-of-its-kind, world-class institute that will focus on river and estuary research, as well as call for tripling broad-based public access to the Long Island Sound.
The research facility - the Henry Hudson Institute for Riverine arid Estuarine Research and Education - will be patterned after the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, the premier institute for oceanic research arid education.
"Seventy years ago, a group of visionary marine biologists founded the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts. Today, it is the best in the world, but there is no such center for the study of rivers," Governor Pataki said. "New York will remain a national leader in protecting tile environment by stepping forward to create a new "Woods Hole" that will focus on rivers and estuaries."
The Governor said he has asked Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner John Cahill to work with State agencies, public authorities, universities, private foundations, and environmentalists to develop a plan, as well as an appropriate location in the Hudson Valley, for the founding the new Institute. The Governor has allocated $1 million this year toward tile planning process for creation, of the crew facility.
Governor Pataki said he envisions the creation of a thriving, world-class research institute with an annual budget of $50 million to support as many as 500 employees, including research scientists, within five to 10 years. The facility would use state, federal and other funding sources to support its research.
"This is the next logical step in our efforts to enhance tile Hudson River and improve our environment here in New York and around the world," Governor Pataki said. "Rivers play and important role in tile economic vitality of our state and country. This Institute will develop sound environmental science that will help create clean economic growth."
In addition to the Institute, the Governor’s 2000-2001 budget will include $10 million for projects identified in the Hudson River Estuary Management Plan, which is a blueprint for the restoration of the Hudson River estuary.
The Governor also will again propose to establish a Hudson River Estuary Trust Account within the EPF to create a stable stream of revenues to support restoration and protection projects to implement the plan.
Also, Governor Pataki will continue his support. for the State’s Natural Resources Damages action involving the Hudson River and will again commit 1.3 million from the EPF for research and other capital costs associated with that action. State and Federal agencies are assessing environmental damages to the river to determine whether to tile a claim for damages against those who have released hazardous substances into the river.
"The Hudson River holds a unique place in New York’s history and also our future and we must make a permanent commitment to the river and the communities along its banks," Governor Pataki said. "The Hudson River - New York’s American Heritage River - needs these funds to help continue its remarkable renaissance."
